Tearful Federer bows out of tennis with Laver Cup defeat alongside Nadal

Roger Federer described his tennis career as a "perfect journey" despite being denied a fairy tale ending with a doubles defeat at the Laver Cup early on Saturday alongside Rafael Nadal.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has not played since the 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finals because of a knee injury and last week announced his retirement aged 41.

The Swiss showed glimpses of his old silky self in the match against Team World's Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at London's O2 arena despite his long period of enforced inaction.

Playing with long-time friend and rival Nadal, the two former world number ones won the first set to the delight of a feverish, partisan crowd, but the Americans rallied to win 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11-9.

The result meant Team Europe were locked at 2-2 with Team World at the end of the opening day of the Ryder Cup-style event.

"We'll get through this somehow, will we? Right?" Federer said with a cracked voice during an emotional post-match farewell on court.

"I'm happy, I'm not sad. It feels great to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time. Everything was the last time. The match was great, I couldn't be happier. It's been wonderful."

An unforgettable night.#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/VDbRdCOsOs

'Thank you'

Federer has enjoyed a storied rivalry with Spain's Nadal, 36, over nearly two decades - together they have won 42 Grand Slam singles titles in a golden era for the men's game.

But in a match that started late on Friday they were on the same side of the net in a fitting farewell for Federer, who turned professional nearly a quarter of a century ago.

There was a huge roar and standing ovation as the Swiss great and Nadal came onto the black court, dressed in blue shirts and white shorts, both wearing white