This picture has touched tennis fans worldwide. After Roger Federer’s last official match, the 41-year-old Swiss and his long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal sat side by side on the bench and cried. As English singer Ellie Goulding sang in honor of Federer at the Arena in London after midnight, the two superstars could no longer hide their feelings. Federer then spoke of a “perfect trip”.
17,500 fans in the O2 Arena and millions in front of the TV sets had previously seen an entertaining double from “Fedal” that did not bring the desired happy ending against Jack Sock/Frances Tiafoe. At 9: 8 in the match tiebreak, Federer had it in his hands to end his career with an ace, but in the end the two Americans showed that the Laver Cup, in which the “rest of the world” competed against the Team Europe should prevail with 13:8, it is not an exhibition tournament. The sentimental favorites lost 6:4, 6:7 (2), 9:11. That’s bearable.
“It felt like a celebration – it was exactly what I wanted,” said Federer, who was carried on hands by his colleagues – including Novak Djokovic (Srb). The 21-time Grand Slam champion was also overwhelmed by the emotions. “It was definitely one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced. What really moved me was when Roger’s children came onto the pitch and I saw their tears.”
Incidentally, the 35-year-old Djokovic is not yet thinking about ending his career in the near future. “My body still listens well to me. I think that’s the key when you’re over 35. I don’t feel that old yet,” he said.
Federer had already informed Nadal about his withdrawal plans a few weeks ago. The Spaniard had only traveled to London for the doubles, after that he was a “cloud” again and flew back to his heavily pregnant wife. “The past few weeks have been difficult. I hardly slept and was stressed,” reported 36-year-old Nadal: “Fortunately everything is fine now.”
Source: Nachrichten
