Fans flock to pay homage to Federer

LONDON : Fans flocked from far and wide to pay homage to Roger Federer as the Swiss tennis great brought down the curtain on his glittering career at London's O2 Arena on Friday.

The 41-year-old was set to play with great rival Rafa Nadal in the evening doubles slot on the opening day of the Laver Cup in what will be his last professional match.

Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam champion and regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, announced last week that a persistent knee injury meant he was ending his 24-year career.

Tickets for his match with Europe team mate Nadal against American duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock were like gold dust.

But some fans got lucky.

Many walking into the Thames-side venue where eight-times Wimbledon champion Federer won the ATP Finals title in 2010 and 2011 were draped in Swiss red and white and had handkerchiefs at the ready for what promised to be an emotional evening.

"He is one of the best ambassadors for Switzerland so I'm super happy to be here," 31-year-old Sonya Carvallares from Zurich told Reuters.

"He is more than just a tennis player he is an icon."

Federer has not played a competitive match since last year's Wimbledon and Carvallares said the news that he was ending his golden career was sad, but expected.

"We saw it coming right, he is not eternal. On a personal level I'm very happy we got the tickets for today especially now. But it's mixed feelings in a way.

"In terms of number he's not the greatest, but in our hearts he is the greatest. I think it's going to be emotional, I might have a few tears in the eyes."

GLOBAL APPEAL

While many fans came from Europe, Federer's unique appeal spans the globe.

Miraaj el-Haque, dressed in a sweatshirt emblazoned with Federer's caricature and