All things must come to an end. Whether it is because the world changes or people change, there is an undeniable truth that no matter how good something was or how dominant and consistent it had been it will end. In this vein, the spectacular career of Roger Federer came to an end Friday.

Last Game:

Following a tiebreaker defeat to  Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in his final game, Roger Federer has officially ended his professional Tennis career. Widely regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time, the absence of Federer in the pro tennis world will create a vacuum where he once was.

“For me, just personally, (it was) sad in the first moment when I came to the conclusion it’s the best decision,” Federer said in an interview with The Associated Press, “I kind of held it in at first, then fought it off. But I could feel the pain.”

Emotional goodbye:

This was an emotional farewell for Federer. As with all athletes, the end of a career that they dedicated their lives to is a highly dynamic and taxing experience. After the match, Federer told this to Jim Courier. “I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time … the match was great. I couldn’t be happier. It’s been wonderful. And of course, playing with Rafa on the same team and having the guys – everybody here, all the legends – thank you.”

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have a complicated history. Throughout the courses of both of their careers, they often faced each other when the stakes were highest.  Federer has faced Nadal 40 times in his career, the first being the round of 32’s match at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami in 2004.  In the end, Nadal got the better of Federer beating him 24 times to Federer’s 16.

“I didn’t want it to feel lonely out there,” he says. “It felt lonely for a second when they told me to go out, or you wanted me to come out one more time. I feel great, but to be saying goodbye as a team – I always felt I was a team player at the heart – but singles doesn’t really do that a whole lot. I’ve had a team that traveled with me for around the world. It’s been amazing with them. So thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years. And then of course, being on the team with Andy, Thomas, Novak, Mateo, Cam, Stefanos, Rafa and Casper, and also the other team: you guys are unbelievable. It’s been a pleasure, playing all these Laver Cups.

Last Dance:

Due to knee surgery in 2021 and his age taking its toll on his body, the emotional pain wasn’t the only type Federer was feeling near the end of his career. The physical toll on his body was too much to continue playing tennis at the highest level.

The crowd, however, was reluctant to see Federer go. Fans and spectators waved Swiss flags and proudly displayed homemade signs for Federer and after his match when he was saying farewell he was greeted with a chorus of cheers and noise from fans. This was requested by Federer. He said that he wanted his final game to be more like a party than a funeral and the crowd happily obliged.

“It’s been an incredible day,” Federer said. “I said to the guys, I’m happy, not sad. It feels like a celebration to me. It was exactly as I hoped for.” He said next to his tearful partner Rafael Nadal. 

Although this decision was what was best for Federer the world of professional tennis lost a titan of the sport. Going down as the most accomplished tennis player of the post-80s era. Tennis will have to bounce back from this massive loss in the future.

Published by HOLR Magazine