Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Billie Jean King and other tennis players and bodies, have penned down tributes to Roger Federer after the Swiss great announced his retirement from tennis on Thursday, 15 September.
The Swiss tennis legend said on Thursday he is retiring after next week’s Laver Cup.
“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event,” he said in a statement posted on his Twitter account.
Rafael Nadal, said he wish this day would never come. He said, “Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would never have come,” Nadal wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Billie Jean King, former women’s number one called 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.”
Carlos Alcaraz, the youngest men’s singles winner, and current number one said, “Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!”
ATP Chairman, Andrea Guadenzi said Roger’s impact on tennis, and the legacy he’s built, are impossible to overstate.
“Over 24 years as a professional, Roger brought millions of adoring fans into the game.
“He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport. He redefined greatness on the court.”
Wimbledon, where the 41-year-old won a men’s record eight titles also penned down a tribute to the 20-grand slam winner, “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.”
Scott Lloyd, Lawn Tennis Association CEO: “He will retire as one of the legends of the game, who brought joy to anyone who watches tennis. Nobody who saw him play will forget his grace, elegance and poise on court.
“We were lucky that many of his greatest performances took place at Wimbledon, and he will always remain a favourite of the British crowds.”
John Isner said, “Some of Fed’s numbers are laughably impossible to top (23 straight slam semi-finals, for instance) but his impact on tennis far exceeds what he accomplished on court.
Absolute living legend. Thanks for all the countless memories.”
Juan Martin Del Potro, former U.S. Open Champion, said, “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.”
Andy Roddick, who lost the 2009 Wimbledon final to Federer wrote, “Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger.
“Also, seems like a good time to start training for Wimby (Obviously kidding).”
Twice Wimbledon Champion, Petra Kvitova also said, “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.”