Swiss legend Roger Federer wanted former world no. 1 Andy Roddick to be a part of the 2022 Laver Cup, where Federer, who announced that he will retire from competitive tennis following the Laver Cup, will play alongside Rafael Nadal in the doubles event at the O2 Arena, London on Friday, September 23.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer practised with members of the Big Four — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — ahead of the Laver Cup.
"This is so cool," Andy Roddick commented on Andy Murray's tweet which read "Fun practice today".
Federer replied to Roddick, saying "Would be even cooler if you were here AROD".
Federer was the world's number one ranked tennis player for a record 237 consecutive weeks from February 2, 2004, until August 18, 2008. He played a crucial role in securing a significant increase in prize money for players. The Swiss legend's trophy cabinet includes six Australian Open titles, one French Open trophy, eight Wimbledon trophies and five consecutive US Open titles.
Meanwhile, the 14-time major singles champion Pete Sampras paid tribute to Federer in an ATP Tour video.
"When I first played you, you were 19 years old, an up-and-coming player and people were talking about you. And we had a great battle on the Centre Court of Wimbledon. And you took me down.
Sampras, who was the defending champion at the 2001 Wimbledon, lost to then 19-year-old Federer in a five-setter in the fourth round. "Tough five-setter," recalled Sampras, who had won the previous four titles at the Championships to take his tally to seven. "And I just remember walking off the court, feeling like I met my match.
"Little did I know, 20 years later, that you would have 20 majors, be number one for years, dominate our sport - basically do it all. I know through those 20 years, that you sacrificed, dedicated yourself, and got your body right, I don’t think people saw that side of you because you made the game look so easy. But I know you are the ultimate professional when it comes to preparing.
"I’ve admired the way you handled it all. From the very beginning to the very end. We are all going to be sad to see you go. But it’s part of sports. It’s not easy. I want to wish you a great retirement," Sampras said.
