'It’s been a great journey': Roger Federer loses final match, ending legendary vocation

Misty Severi

September 23, 09:27 PM September 23, 09:32 PM

Roger Federer lost the final match of his tennis job Friday, ending a occupation that spanned 24 years and bundled 20 Grand Slam titles, alongside his longtime rival and buddy Rafael Nadal.

The 41-12 months-aged Swiss legend concluded his vocation in the Laver Cup in London immediately after announcing last week that the 3-day groups tournament would be his very last. Federer, who competed as element of Staff Europe in the event, pushed his closing match to a tiebreaker in opposition to Group World duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, with a closing rating of 6-4, 6-7, 9-11.

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“We’ll get by way of this by some means, will not we? Right?” an psychological Federer requested. “It’s been a fantastic working day. I advised the guys I’m content, not unfortunate. It feels terrific to be right here, and I enjoyed tying my shoes 1 extra time. Anything was the past time. ... I required it to be a celebration. It’s been a excellent journey. I would do it all around all over again.”

Federer mentioned he was pleased that he produced it by the ultimate match unscathed, saying he assumed he would hurt his calf or knee once more, in accordance to Fox Sporting activities. Federer's retirement from the activity was partly owing to an harm to his knee at Wimbledon very last calendar year, which expected his third knee surgical treatment in two decades.

"As several of you know, the previous three yrs have presented me with problems in the form of injuries and surgical procedures. I’ve labored tough to return to entire aggressive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its information to me currently has been crystal clear," Federer mentioned on social media final week. "I am 41 years outdated. I have performed extra than 1,500 matches more than 24 a long time. Tennis has taken care of me extra generously than I at any time would have dreamt, and now I must identify when it is time to end my aggressive profession."

Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have dominated the sport for the past 20 yrs, with Federer reaching the finals in Grand Slam tournaments 31 occasions. Federer has also gained two Olympic medals, a person silver and just one gold.

Federer's loved ones, including his wife and moms and dads, had been at the closing match Friday night time, which took about 2 1/2 several hours.

Federer's retirement arrives a single month immediately after tennis star Serena Williams declared she was "evolving" away from the sport. Williams, who is 40, explained she would be focusing on other points, which includes motherhood and growing her family. Williams closed out her job at the U.S. Open up before this thirty day period just after her 3rd-spherical defeat.