He's a hero who leaves the pitch... through the front door.
Messages of sympathy and tribute to Roger Federer have multiplied since the tennis player, 41, announced that he would retire at the end of the Laver Cup, a competition scheduled for September 23 to 25.
Rafael Nadal, among others, said it was "a sad day for (him) and for sport around the world".
"It has been a pleasure but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, to live so many fantastic moments on and off the courts", adds Rafael Nadal on Twitter.
“I wish that day never happened,” continues the Spanish player.
And to finish: “In the immediate future, I really wish you all the happiness possible with your wife, Mirka, your children, your family.
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We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what's ahead of you.
I'll see you in London @LaverCup
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
“Roger was one of my idols and a source of inspiration!
Thank you for all you have given to our sport!
I want to keep playing with you!
I wish you good luck for the rest, ”wrote Carlos Alcaraz, the new world number 1, on Twitter.
"Tennis will never be the same without you," says Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro.
Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration!
🥲 Thank you for everything you have done for our sport!
❤️ I still want to play with you!
🥹 Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!
💪🏻 @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/k4xjyN3AAB
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022
"He's the champion of champions.
He has the most complete game of his generation and has captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with his incredible speed on the court and a powerful tennis spirit.
He had a historic career with memories that will endure.
We wish you the best as you continue on your journey,” also responded Billie Jean King.
“Thank you for everything Roger”
The “tournaments” also expressed their emotion on Twitter.
The first of them?
The Laver Cup, the last that will be played by Federer.
“Thank you for everything Roger.
See you soon.
Rocket”, he simply wrote on Twitter, when the Roland-Garros tournament wanted to salute a “tennis legend”.
"You changed tennis," wrote the ATP Tour.
Legend of the game.@rogerfederer 🧡 pic.twitter.com/zztdM9THmc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 15, 2022
“It was a chance to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word (…).
All we can say is thank you, for the memories and the joy you have given to so many”, published, also on Twitter, Wimbledon.
And WTA to add: “The definition of greatness.
The end of an era.
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