Exclusive: 'It’s really sad for the sport' - Ons Jabeur pays tribute to 'unbelievable' Roger Federer before Laver Cup

Ons Jabeur has paid tribute to Roger Federer in the wake of the Swiss’ retirement announcement, adding her voice to his millions of fans in declaring it a “sad day for the sport”. The Tunisian world No. 2 grew up closely watching Federer’s immaculate slice backhand and has built a crafty game around that particular shot.

Ad Jabeur, who has reached back-to-back finals at Wimbledon and the US Open over the last three months, reflected on her brief interactions with the 20-time major champion and lamented the fact that both Federer and Serena Williams are hanging up their racquets at the same time. Laver CupWho is playing at Laver Cup 2022? Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray all starring3 HOURS AGO “It’s really sad for the sport. I didn’t wish this day to happen,” Jabeur told Eurosport about the 41-year-old’s impending retirement.

“It’s also harsh because it’s Serena and Roger in the same year, it’s kind of tough. He’s an unbelievable player.” Last year at Wimbledon, Jabeur made history by becoming the first Arab or North African woman to reach the quarter-finals at the Championships. An impressive victory over Iga Swiatek didn’t just secure her a ticket to the last-eight stage, it also earned her a nod from Federer, who stopped to congratulate her after the match.