Laver Cup: Novak Djokovic admits 'sadness' one of the 'greatest athletes of all time' Roger Federer leaving tennis

25.09.2022 - 00:01 eurosport.com

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time’ after Roger Federer retired from tennis. Djokovic had made light work of Frances Tiafoe for Team Europe in his Laver Cup match minutes earlier on Saturday night, one of the few times that Djokovic had found himself on the same side as his perennial rival.

Ad However the rivalry between the two former world No. 1s was clearly set aside and the respect for Federer was evident. Laver Cup'Beautiful moments' — Djokovic hails Federer in emotional interview at Laver CupAN HOUR AGO Speaking after his win, he said: “I think we would all agree this was one of the most beautiful moments that everyone has experienced live or on TV, on the tennis courts worldwide of all time.

We all knew that it was going to be an emotional farewell for Roger, I think we were all taken away by the moment and at the same time it’s a mixture of emotion. “Sadness because one of the greatest athletes of all time is leaving the sport, on the other hand, seeing him happy with the way it all played out, I was just very grateful to be alongside other Team World and Team Europe players to witness that.

One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced in my life.” He continued: “I understand and I empathise with Roger because I understand what is necessary to be on the Tour for so long.

tennis Sporting athletics cup Roger Federer France

Frances Tiafoe says he is “flying high” right now after arguably the best month of his career – but just how high can he go? The 24-year-old made his Grand Slam breakthrough at the US Open, beating Rafael Nadal on his way to the semi-finals, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a tight five-setter. He then followed up with a couple of memorable wins at the Laver Cup – teaming up with Jack Sock to beat Roger Federer in the final match of his career before sealing a first victory for Team World in the event by overcoming Stefanos Tsitsipas. Ad This is a purple patch for Tiafoe, and one he is savouring.

Laver Cup takeaways: Is Novak Djokovic the best in the world? What next for Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray?

What a weekend of tennis. After all the build-up around Roger Federer’s retirement and then his emotional farewell on Friday evening, the tennis took over as Team World won the tournament for the first time in impressive fashion. Ad Felix Auger-Aliassime beat Novak Djokovic before Frances Tiafoe clinched victory by saving four match points on his way to beating Stefanos Tsitsipas.

I don’t like losing – Roger Federer left disappointed after Laver Cup defeat

Roger Federer could not hide his disappointment after watching Frances Tiafoe prove the pantomime villain for a second time at the Laver Cup this weekend as his epic comeback denied the Swiss one final trophy.

"I'll Be There Too": Roger Federer To Be At Next Year's Laver Cup "From A Different Position"

The 2022 Laver Cup was a momentous one in more ways than one. First, it was Roger Federer's final match as a professional tennis player and then Team World won the prestigious competition for the first time. Frances Tiafoe led Team World to their first Laver Cup title as the American saved four match points in a dramatic victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas that denied Roger Federer a farewell trophy on Sunday. While Federer had hoped to mark the end of his career by lifting the trophy in a tournament he helped create, the Swiss legend was left to salute Tiafoe and the rest of the Team World squad.

Frances Tiafoe Stars As Team World Win First Laver Cup Title

Frances Tiafoe led Team World to their first Laver Cup title as the American saved four match points in a dramatic victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas that denied Roger Federer a farewell trophy on Sunday. Tiafoe staged a superb fightback to win 1-6,7-6 (13/11), 10/8 in the penultimate match of the tournament at London's O2 Arena. That was enough to give John McEnroe's Team World a 13-8 overall margin of victory with a match to spare, sealing their maiden triumph in the competition after Team Europe won the first four editions.