The world has bid farewell to a tennis icon. On Thursday, Roger Federer announced his retirement from the court and it has certainly left a gaping hole in the sport he became synonymous with over the last 20 years.
In response to his announcement, some of the biggest sporting stars in the world have paid tribute to Switzerland’s greatest ever export (no matter what Toblerone lovers say). Here are just a fraction of some of the best messages.
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Rafael Nadal
The record 22-time Grand Slam champion tweeted: “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.”
Serena Williams
The record 23-time Grand Slam champion paid tribute to the Swiss star, saying: "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."
Carlos Alcaraz
The newly-crowned US Open 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!"
Wimbledon
The home of tennis in the UK and the Grand Slam where Federer is the record champion in the Open Era (eight titles) showed their appreciation to him. They tweeted: “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.
Lionel Messi
One of football’s greatest ever players showed his respect for a fellow great of another sport. He said: "A genius, unique in tennis history and a role model for any sportsman. I wish you the best in your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the court."
Pau Gasol
The two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star said: “Thank you for inspiring us and setting a great example for all of us.”
Tom Brady
The seven-time Super Bowl champion and NFL legend paid tribute in his latest pre-match press conference. He said: “Phenomenal, great player, you know, he’s just a great competitor and you know… he had a great run, he was great, always respectful of everybody and meant a lot.”
Luke Donald
The Team Europe captain for the Ryder Cup replied to Federer’s announcement saying: "A true professional, a master of your craft - all done with the highest of integrity and sportsmanship. You will be very much missed by all."
