In the end, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were overwhelmed by their emotions and could not hold back their tears. For the pair’s doubles match at the Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London was the 41-year-old Swiss’ last match. In his own words, Federer could not have wished for a more beautiful and moving farewell.
On social media, the special Federer-Nadal moment is a highlight.
Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer in tears after Federer’s retirement is the best sports moment you’ll see in some time.
Ultimate respect. pic.twitter.com/fUeY8wQSTM
– Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 23, 2022
The fact that Federer and Nadal lost their last doubles match to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of the United States 6-4, 6-7 and 9-11 didn’t matter.
“A part of me goes with him “
The 36-year-old Rafa Nadal said: “I’m a pretty sensitive person and I don’t mind crying. Crying is also good sometimes. You have to allow these emotions. When Roger leaves the tour, a part of me goes with him because every moment he was next to me or in front of me was an important moment in my life. “
this is the most depressing clip ive ever seen. taping his racket for one last time… pic.twitter.com/auNfVOHe1x
– mimi♀️| i love roger federer (@rafastefbaes) September 23, 2022
Roger Federer also shared a video on social media showing him in tears. And he thanked singer Ellie Goulding for the perfect evening.
If there’s one thing you watch today, make it this.LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B
– Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
“It feels like a celebration for me. I wanted to feel like this at the end and it’s exactly what I hoped for, so thank you,” Roger Federer said while still on court.
Such a ridiculously HUGE honour to be present for the final professional match of @rogerfederer An extraordinary athlete and gentleman. No words can do his spectacular career justice ❤️ https://t.co/Wgb7BzmQoe
– Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) September 24, 2022
“It was a perfect trip and I would do it all again like this. “
It was a magical evening yesterday. Thank you again to all the players and fans who were here to share this moment with me. It means the world ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IKFb6jEeXJ
– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 24, 2022
Federer also thanked his wife. The two have four children: twin daughters Myla, Charlene (both 13) and twin sons Leo and Lennart.
Of his wife Mirka, Roger Federer said, “She kept me going and allowed me to play, which is incredible. Thank you.” The 44-year-old Miroslava Vavrinec is not only the wife and mother of his children, but also Federer’s manager since she ended her own tennis career in 2002.