September 16, 2022
2 mins read

‘Dear Roger… I wish this day would have never come’

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, on Thursday caught the tennis and sports world by surprise by announcing his retirement from top-level tennis…reports Asian Lite News

After Roger Federer’s announcement that next week’s Laver Cup will be his final ATP event, his friend and rival Rafael Nadal said that it’s a sad day for him personally and for sports around the world, adding that he wishes this would have never come.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, on Thursday caught the tennis and sports world by surprise by announcing his retirement from top-level tennis.

“As many of you know, 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 capabilities and limits and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” the tennis great said in a statement on Twitter.

“Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise when it’s 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,” he added.

Federer’s greatest on-court adversary Nadal acknowledged their rivalry, and their off-court friendship, in his retirement message written on social media.

“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 honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court,” said Nadal in a tweet.

“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 added.

For six years during the Swiss’ career, the two tennis giants shared the No1 and No 2 ATP world rankings often meeting each other in Grand Slam finals, some of which have been labelled the greatest matches in history.

Notably, only Rafael Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21) have more Grand Slam trophies than Federer (20).

ALSO READ-Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

Previous Story

Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

Next Story

Kangra crucial for BJP to retain Himachal

Latest from Sport

Kuldeep Wrecks UAE

Kuldeep came in and took three wickets in his second over to lead the charge for a sensational UAE batting meltdown, as the side lost their next eight wickets for just 10

Cricket Carnage

Ruthless England roar back with record demolition, even as Proteas claim series 2-1 England produced a record-breaking performance on Sunday, registering the biggest-ever victory margin in ODI history as they thrashed South

Al Zeer clinches UAE President’s Cup glory

Al Zeer stormed to a dramatic victory at Waregem Racecourse, clinching the UAE President’s Cup in Belgium, showcasing the UAE’s equestrian heritage and global sporting vision….reports Asian Lite News Before nearly 50,000

Fulham Robbed?

The final whistle confirmed Chelsea’s first home win of the season, lifting spirits at the Bridge after an indifferent start to the campaign Chelsea picked up a much-needed home victory with a

Sciver’s Tough Call

Sciver-Brunt, who was named captain after Heather Knight stepped down in March, will lead England in their pursuit of a fifth Women’s Cricket World Cup title….reports Asian Lite News England captain Nat
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

The Swiss earned six Australian Open triumphs, the 2009 Roland

A ‘FEDAL’ comeback for 5th edition Laver cup

Both players will represent Team Europe as they take on