The king will abdicate.
After several years of reign, and undermined by injuries in recent years, Roger Federer is bowing out with a final double alongside his eternal rival, Rafael Nadal, during “his” Laver Cup this Friday evening.
Since the announcement of this decision to retire, testimonials have poured in from all sides to congratulate him on this incredible career that has made so many people dream.
In front of an O2 Arena won over to his cause, the Swiss will face the Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tifoe before hanging up his racket, as he announced on Thursday.
From Borg via McEnroe, Djokovic or Murray, all the cream of world tennis is present to say goodbye to the man with 20 Grand Slams and 109 ATP titles.
Here is a selection of images from this particular evening.
1) The O2 Arena is jam-packed to experience the Master's final game
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Arena 02 was packed for Roger Federer's last career game.
The happiest had planned to come for the Laver Cup, but since the announcement of the Swiss's retirement, ticket prices have skyrocketed.
2) Roger Federer applauded by Rafael Nadal and the European delegation
Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Tributes have multiplied in recent days.
And the whole European team was very united around a Roger Federer obviously in the center of the poster.
3) The Swiss signed some autographs
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The public present in London does not miss a crumb of each movement of the Swiss who is tracked by the cameras and which makes it good for the spectators.
4) Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic celebrate a point from Casper Ruud against Jack Sock.
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The Laver Cup is an exhibition but each match is particularly hotly contested.
We have thus seen the whole European clan come to the support of the other players who will be able to say that they had Federer, Nadal or Djokovic to coach them.
5) Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in place on the court
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
After De Minaur's victory over Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer entered the court with smiles on their faces and received a standing ovation from the crowd.