LONDON (Agencies): Multiple Grand Slam winners Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic have both hailed the influence of the retiring Roger Federer on tennis.
Williams, who has said she is ‘evolving away from tennis’ herself, said he was an inspiration. Djokovic praised the “decade of incredible moments and battles”. Federer, 41, will end a career that featured 20 Grand Slam singles titles after the Laver Cup, which begins in London on 23 September.
“You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget,” said Williams, who played against the Swiss star only once on court, facing off in a mixed doubles match at the Hopman Cup in 2019.
“Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you. “I have always looked up to you and admired you. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future.”
Djokovic, who has faced Federer on 50 occasions since 2006 on the ATP Tour, also posted an emotional tribute on Instagram.
“It’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together,” said the 21-time Grand Slam winner.
“Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to think back on, your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise. It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come.”
Federer’s decision to retire from the sport after three years blighted by knee injuries has prompted a wave of tributes. His great rival Rafael Nadal – the only other player, along with Djokovic, with more Grand Slam singles titles than Federer – said it was “a sad day” for sport.
Current world number ones Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, 21 and 19 respectively, thanked Federer for inspiring them.
“I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you are for our sport,” Pole Swiatek said. “It’s been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best.”
Spaniard Alcaraz 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!” Andy Roddick, who lost to Federer in a five-set Wimbledon final in 2009, joked that Federer’s retirement could prompt him to launch an All England Club comeback. “Thanks for the shared memories my friend,” the American said.
Roger Federer retirement a ‘sad day’ for sport, says rival Nadal: Roger Federer’s decision to retire from tennis is a “sad day” for sport, his great rival Rafael Nadal has said.
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, announced on Thursday that he would retire after the Laver Cup this month. Only Spain’s Nadal, with 22 majors, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, with 21, have more men’s Grand Slam singles titles than the 41-year-old.
“Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come,” Nadal posted on social media. “It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.”
Nadal defeated Federer 24 times in 40 matches during one of the most celebrated rivalries in tennis history. “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,” Nadal said.
“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.”
‘The most complete game of his generation’
Federer made his professional debut aged 16 in 1998 and won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003. The chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Ian Hewitt, congratulated Federer on a “truly remarkable career”.
“He will forever be celebrated as one of our greatest Wimbledon champions, having lifted the trophy eight times from his 22 appearances at the All England Club,” Hewitt added.
Billie Jean King, a 12-time Grand Slam winner, said Federer is a “champion’s champion”. “He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind,” she tweeted.
Former world number one Rod Laver also wrote on Twitter: “Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon.” Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova said of Federer’s announcement: “What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you, thank you thank you, for all the magic!”
Stan Wawrinka, who won doubles gold for Switzerland alongside Federer at the 2008 Olympics, said: “Forever grateful for all the memories on and off the court. Tennis will never be the same without you. Enjoy the next chapter in your life with your beautiful family.”
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner.”
Former British number one Annabel Croft told BBC Radio 5 Live: “When I think of Roger Federer, I think of his grace, his fluidity, his beauty, the way he played tennis.
“What a great icon for the sport, he sort of transcended it. “He was also someone who was incredibly strong mentally. For most of the matches he played he had a massive big target on his back. But he seemed to enjoy and relish [being] under pressure.”
US Open champion and men’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz tweeted that Federer “has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration”, while the highest ranked female player, Iga Swiatek, thanked Federer for everything he had done for the sport of tennis.
