David Ferrer, one of Roger Federer’s old rivals, has summed up the reaction to the news that the great man plans to retire when he called it “the saddest day in tennis”.
Federer announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday night in a “bittersweet decision”. Taking to Instagram and Twitter, the Swiss player shared with the world that the Laver Cup in London next week will be his final ATP event.
“Today, I want to share some news with all of you … As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” he said.
“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
The 41-year-old has played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Between 2003, when he won his first Wimbledon title aged just 21, Federer went on to play in 21 out of the next 28 grand slam finals. He was the first man to win 20 grand slam singles titles.
Federer finishes his playing career as one of the most lauded athletes in history.
Here’s what the tennis world has said about the great man:
“If you want to be a tennis player, then mould yourself on Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him” – John McEnroe
“I’d like to be in his shoes for one day to know what it feels like to play that way” – Mats Wilander
“The best way to beat him would be to hit him over the head with a racquet” – Rod Laver
“Roger, where do we begin? It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
“We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.” – Wimbledon
“In the modern game, you’re a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist or a hard court specialist… or you’re Roger Federer” – Jimmy Connors
“If he’s playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible. When he’s 100 per cent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him” – Rafael Nadal
“I don’t think you can always, or you can ever, get your game to perfection. Only if you are Federer” – Novak Djokovic
“I can cry like Roger – it’s just a shame I can’t play like him” – Andy Murray
“He’s a real person. He’s not an enigma. Off the court, he’s not trying to be somebody. If you met him at McDonald’s and you didn’t know who he was, you would have no idea that he’s one of the best athletes in the world” – Andy Roddick
“Roger can produce tennis shots that should be declared illegal” – Tracy Austin
“The body of work is phenomenal, and now he has got that French Open, and I think he can just go on and sip Margaritas for the rest of his life” – Martina Navratilova
“In my opinion, he’s the best player ever. When you play tennis, playing Federer is kind of a dream because you can see he does everything you would love to do on the court” – Fabrice Santoro
“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind.
“He has had a historic career with memories that will live on and on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We wish you the very best as your journey continues.” – Billie Jean King
“Maybe I could win more championships and prize money if Federer was not in the same age with me, but you have to know that there is something money cannot buy – that’s playing against Federer” – Ivan Ljubicic
“As a person, he showed us that you don’t have to be really somewhere else, you can be a decent man achieving a lot of things and still be a person which everybody admires” – Sergiy Stakhovsky
“He’s definitely the legend of the tennis. I think right now he’s the greatest tennis player we ever had and, for me, it’s always challenging to play against him. It’s always great because, no matter what, I will say to my children, I played against him” – Gael Monfils
“He hits shots that other guys don’t hit. You want to go over and give him a high five sometimes, but you can’t do that. You want to beat him but he’s fun to watch, too” – Sam Querrey
“I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you.” – Juan Martin Del Potro
“The saddest day in tennis. Thanks Mr Federer.” – David Ferrer
“Roger – you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game.
“I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thank you.” – Petra Kvitova
“The end of a magnificent era.” – Judy Murray, Andy Murray’s mother
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