Reacting to the retirement announcement of Swiss tennis star Roger Federer on Thursday, 15 September, Spanish player Rafael Nadal, who is also one of Federer's main competitors, said, "I wish this day would have never come."
"Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court," Nadal tweeted.
Federer on Thursday said that he will retire from the sport following the Laver Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the last week of September.
He also said that "there are still lots of things to do together."
"We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London," he said.
'Roger Federer Is a Champion’s Champion': Billie Jean King
Former American Tennis icon Billie Jean King said that, "Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on."
'I LOVE YOU, Roger': Juan M del Potro
"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," said former Argentinian tennis player Juan M del Potro.
'Roger Has Been One of My Idols': Carlos Alcaraz
Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz also reacted to Federer's retirement, and tweeted, "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!"
'Tennis Won’t Be the Same Without You': Petra Kvitova
Czech tennis player Petra Kvitova 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."
'Thank You for Doing More for Tennis Than Any Single Individual': Milos Raonic
Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic said, "@rogerfederer thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual. Thanks to you competitors and fans across the world get to experience and enjoy it all over the world. Congratulations on your achievements and the people you continue to impact in and away from tennis."
'I Know My Body’s Capacities and Limits'
While announcing his retirement, Federer said, "The past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. 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. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career. The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”
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