Among the highlights of 2022 it is impossible not to mention Roger Federer’s retirement, which was a real blow to the heart for all tennis fans. The former world number 1 played his last official match at the Laver Cup, the exhibition he founded in 2017.
The King has joined forces with his arch-rival Rafael Nadal to face Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at the O2 Arena in London, before receiving a stunning tribute that made everyone cry. The Swiss had tried a timid return in 2021, playing just 13 official matches and stopping again after Wimbledon.
The condition of his right knee prevented him from continuing to compete at the highest level and his age did the rest. Once his knee gets better, the 20-time Grand Slam champion plans to stage several exhibitions. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Sumit Nagal recalled his first and only match against Federer at the 2019 US Open.
Sumit Nagal on King Roger
“Roger Federer you can call a magician. You don’t know what is coming,” Nagal said when reflecting on one of the biggest matches of his career so far. “That is one of the most annoying parts to play against him that you have no clue,” the Indian tennis star continued.
“Is this guy going to hit a second serve and come to the net? Is he going for a short cross-court backhand? Or trying to make you (come) in. He has too many options, you know. You realize it but in the end, you also need to know what you are capable of and not capable of.”
Polish tennis sensation Hubert Hurkacz recently recalled his historic win over Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2021 and the insights he gained from the match. “I have always loved watching Roger Federer play. He is such an incredible player and person.
If I could borrow something from his game, it would definitely be the way he was committed to his shots, to his plan and to his ideas. That was something really incredible,” Hurkacz said. Hubert Hurkacz went on to praise his compatriots Iga Swiatek: “Iga [Swiatek] is doing an incredible job [for Polish tennis] and Magda [Linette] as well.
I think there are a lot of tennis fans in Poland. But certain things still need to be done for tennis to become more accessible for everyone and that will be amazing,” Hurkacz said. “For example, it would be great to see more ATP and WTA 250-level tournaments in Poland.”
