Roger Federer retired from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he played the last match of his legendary career. The Swiss decided to hang up the racket at the age of 41, after realizing that he could no longer continue competing at the highest level.
The news of his retirement generated a flurry of reactions in all corners of the world, testament to the enormous impact the Genius had on tennis and sport in general. The former ATP number 1 tried by all means to give himself one last turn in 2023, but the state of his right knee has forced him to resign.
Let’s remember that the Basel Master had tried a timid comeback in 2021, playing only 13 official matches and stopping again after Wimbledon. Although Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have wrested several records from him in the last two years, Roger remains the most popular wherever he goes.
In the latest edition of the podcast hosted by Craig Shapiro, former WTA number 1 Kim Clijsters had some kind words for Federer. “The night of Roger Federer’s last match I cried my eyes out, especially when Mirka entered the court and hugged him” – Clijsters began.
“Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were also moved, especially Rafa. The bond between Federer and Nadal is sincere and genuine, so much so that Rafa went out of his way to be present in London despite his personal problems.
Roger’s withdrawal has for all intents and purposes sanctioned the end of an era”, added the Belgian. In the latest edition of the talk show ‘En Aparté’, Stan Wawrinka paid tribute to his illustrious compatriot: “When I arrived on the circuit, Roger Federer was already at the top of men’s tennis.”
Federer had a fun and illuminating chat
Roger Federer had a fun and illuminating chat on the late-night talk show The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Wednesday. “When I was growing up, I had Michael Schumacher that I would look up to, who was at the top for so long.
Tiger Woods, same thing. And I always thought it’s impossible to do that, to stay at the top for so long and have that drive,” he stated. “Now people ask me, how did you do it? I’m like that’s normal. You just go out there, you do it again and you try to win again. And it’s fun, so you keep doing it. Everybody else would like to be in your shoes, right?” he remarked.
