Roger Federer retires: Farewell speech at Laver Cup was incredibly emotional

Roger Federer bowed out of tennis with an emotional on-court interview at the O2 arena last night.

The Swiss great was taking part in the Laver Cup, which is a team tournament that he helped create, and he certainly ended his career in fitting circumstances.

The 41-year-old played alongside long-time rival and great friend Rafael Nadal in a doubles match against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

The duo have an unbelievable 42 Grand Slam titles between them and they delighted the London crowd once again, despite losing the match in the end.

They were beaten 4-6 7-6 11-9 as Team World levelled the competition at 2-2 at the end of play on day one, but that was almost irrelevant on Federer’s big night.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion announced earlier this month that he would retire from the sport that he has graced for the last 24 years.

But he wanted to have one final outing in front of a London crowd that he has amazed many times over the years.

Speaking after the match, he gave his adoring fans one of the most emotional on-court interviews ever.

He said: “It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through.

“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again. Everyone’s here, the boys and girls. My wife has been so supportive.

If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B

“She could have stopped me a long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s amazing – thank you.

“Being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match.

“I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be