The tennis world pays tribute to Roger Federer’s career

Announced yesterday, the news of Roger Federer’s retirement evoked plenty of reactions in the world of tennis.

Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal / Roland-Garros 2019©Pauline Ballet / FFT
 - Romain Vinot

After the Laver Cup (23rd-25th September in London), Roger Federer is set to hang up his racquet for good, leaving a gaping hole in the tennis world. News of the retirement of this sporting legend led to a flood of messages from celebrities on social media.

Roger’s friend and fierce rival throughout his career, Rafael Nadal was quick to post a moving and nostalgic message on social media. The two men will meet on court one last time at the end of the month.

Many current players saw the 22-time Grand Slam winner as an idol, including the most recent US Open champions:

Carlos Alcaraz

A true icon, Roger was a source of inspiration for his peers and well as for members of the younger generation, who are already stepping up to take the reins.

Coco Gauff

Having teamed up with Federer to win an Olympic medal in 2008 and the Davis Cup in 2014, his great friend Stan Wawrinka posted several photos, accompanied by this message:

French players also paid tribute to RF’s glorious career.

Gaël Monfils

Following her swansong at Flushing Meadows, tennis queen Serena Williams welcomed Roger into the retirement club:

Juan Martin Del Potro also shared some outstanding moments with the man from Basel, namely their semifinal match at Roland-Garros in 2009 and when he won the US Open that same year.

Other tennis legends also had some kind words to say to Federer, who is an integral part of their very elite circle.

Billie Jean King

Rod Laver

Having triumphed eight times at the All England Club, Roger was hailed on the official Wimbledon account.

Crowned Roland-Garros champion in 2009, Roger Federer made his mark on the Parisian clay, where his epic duels remain etched in everyone’s memories.