Roger Federer‘s glittering career came to an end on Friday night, after he and doubles partner Rafael Nadal lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the Laver Cup.
The result mattered little for Federer, who hadn’t played for over a year since his loss to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon. It was an opportunity for him to say goodbye with his family, to his rivals and his adoring fans.
Whilst those same people could show their love and appreciation for him, and the joy he had given them over the years. He went out playing tennis and on his own terms, not retiring from the treatment table.
He has achieved so much in his 24-year tennis career, 20 Grand Slam titles, a record 237 consecutive weeks at world number one, 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals between 2004 and 2010.