Rafael Nadal led tributes for Roger Federer after the 20-time grand slam champion known as time on a legendary tennis profession on the age of 41.
Federer, who is taken into account by many to be the best tennis participant of all time, shared an immense rivalry with Nadal, in addition to Novak Djokovic within the unprecedented period of dominance of the ‘Big Three’.
The Swiss confronted Nadal 40 instances in his profession – with the pair contesting a number of iconic battles together with the 2008 Wimbledon last and 2017 Australian Open last.
Federer will retire after the Laver Cup occasion in London subsequent weekend, which is able to see him group up with Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray as a part of a European facet in opposition to the remainder of the world.
Nadal posted on Twitter: “Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
“For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London.”
Billie Jean King, who gained 12 girls’s singles grand slam titles, added her tribute to Federer on Twitter.
“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion,” she wrote on her official account.
“He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on.
“Congratulations, Roger Federer. We want you the easiest as your journey continues.”
Responding to Federer’s retirement letter, Martina Navratilova wrote on Twitter: “What a heartfelt message, full of affection, life, hope, ardour and gratitude. Which is precisely how Roger performed the sport we love a lot. Thank you thanks thanks, for all of the magic!!!”
Rod Laver, after whom Federer named the Laver Cup, wrote simply: “Thank you for all the pieces Roger. See you quickly. Rocket”
Federer’s rivals also paid their tributes. Andy Roddick, beaten in three Wimbledon finals, wrote on Twitter: “Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared reminiscences my buddy. It was an honour to share time/experiences on probably the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger.
Also, looks as if a superb time to begin coaching for Wimby (Obviously kidding).”
Juan Martin Del Potro, the only player other than Nadal and Djokovic to beat Federer in a grand slam final, said on Instagram: “You made tennis a singular sport.
“Thank you for teaching us with your example, in and out court. I’m thankful for sharing your journey and being able to play so many matches together.
“Thank you. Thank you for testing us all, elevating our requirements in each event we performed, for all the pieces you’ve given for our sport, for the way heat you at all times have been with me, and so many different issues. I’m unhappy, that is one thing I didn’t need to hear. I do want you a fantastic life with Mirka and your youngsters.”
Additional reporting from PA
Source: www.impartial.co.uk