"Always Looked Up To You": Serena Williams Welcomes Roger Federer To Retirement

16.09.2022 - 06:49 sports.ndtv.com

Serena Williams welcomed Roger Federer to the tennis "retirement club" on Thursday, saying she has always admired and looked up to the Swiss legend.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, said Thursday he would retire after playing next week in London at the Laver Cup. Among those sending congratulations to the 41-year-old icon for his tremendous career was 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams, who said she was "evolving" away from tennis, with last week's US Open expected to be her final tournament. "I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest -- perfectly done, just like your career," Williams said in an Instagram post. "I have always looked up to you and admired you.

Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people -- including me -- and we will never forget." Williams came as close as she has come to firmly saying her own career is complete by welcoming Federer into "the retirement club." Promoted "I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future," Williams wrote. "Welcome to the retirement club.

And thank you for being you @rogerfederer." (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

tennis Roger Federer Serena Williams Switzerland Usa London

Serena Williams has opened up about retiring at US Open and the reasons behind that decision, while her sister Venus added a few thoughts. The 23-time Grand Slam champion bowed out after a spectacular send-off as she lost in the third round to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows in New York. Ad While the 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 defeat has seemingly brought Williams’ illustrious tennis career to an end, she has hinted that it would be possible for her to return at some point.

'An important part of my life is leaving too,' says emotional Rafael Nadal of Roger Federer retirement

By Aimee Lewis, CNN

Roger Federer retires: Rafael Nadal put his own personal issues on hold to be at his side

Roger Federer said farewell to tennis in the most perfect way possible at the Laver Cup this weekend.

Roger Federer retires: 'We all had tears in our eyes' - Bjorn Borg on very emotional scenes at Laver Cup

Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg has opened up about the emotional scenes as Roger Federer bowed out from professional tennis at the Laver Cup. The 41-year-old superstar retired from the sport in hugely emotional scenes on Friday night alongside his great friend and rival, Rafael Nadal, in what were unforgettable moments for global tennis. Ad Borg had a unique perspective on the events as Federer's captain with Team Europe, and he has revealed what he said to the Swiss legend before the match and what the scenes were really like afterwards.

Roger Federer retirement: 'I couldn't sleep, he's my idol' - Matteo Berrettini very emotional over farewell

Matteo Berrettini has spoken of how emotional he has been since his «idol», Roger Federer, retired from professional tennis at the Laver Cup. The Italian, who overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime of Team World on Saturday to secure two points for Federer's Team Europe, explained that he «couldn't sleep» because he was so moved by the Swiss superstar's farewell. Ad For Berrettini, it was a hugely significant moment being on the same team as Federer when he bowed out from competitive tennis, and he admitted that he would probably not even be a player himself had it not been for the 41-year-old's impact.