Roger Federer retirement: Nadal, Serena and Messi pay tribute to tennis superstar

Roger Federer's decision to retire from professional tennis has provoked an emotional reaction from current and former players as well as stars in other sports.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, announced on Thursday that he would retire after the Laver Cup this month.

Only Federer's two great rivals Rafael Nadal of Spain (22) and Serbia's Novak Djokovic (21) have more men's Grand Slam singles titles than the 41-year-old Swiss

Here are some of the tributes paid to the tennis superstar:

Rafael Nadal on Twitter:

"Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would never have come. It's been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court."

Dear Roger,my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court