The Laver Cup was Tennis great Roger Federer’s swansong in professional tennis, but Team Europe faced an unexpected defeat after their opponents dominated on the final day of the competition. This, however, did not mar the main attraction of the tournament, with the focal point being Federer’s farewell.
American tennis legend John McEnroe, who coached the winning team, stated that he felt blessed to have been part of the marquee tournament, the Laver Cup. He also shared a lot of praise for Federer, who also requested him to keep being an ambassador of the sport by contributing to it off the court.
“Roger, listen, you know that I think you are a total class act. Everyone does. I feel blessed that I was a part of it, in a tiny little way, never got tired of it. You are the most beautiful player I have ever watched. You absolutely love to play. You loved being part of the sport, both on and off the court,” McEnroe was quoted as saying in a video uploaded on the official Twitter handle of the ATP Tour.
“Thank you for everything you have done in the sport over the last 20 years. You are going to be sorely missed. I hope you stay around the sport in any way. You are the best,” he added.
Martina Navratilova, the 18-time grand slam winner, eulogised Federer with words congratulating him on a very successful career as he is all set to hang up his boots.
Roger, enjoy your life after tennis. Thank you for being a part of this amazing sport, a massive part of it. You made it look so easy. It was a pleasure knowing you, it was a pleasure watching you play. I am looking forward to the next chapter in your life,” Navratilova said.
Despite the doubles loss of Rafael Nadal and Federer to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of the Team World, the crowd that came to say their final goodbyes to the tennis star’s career tore the roof off the court. The Swiss legend was visibly in tears alongside his teammate Rafael Nadal who couldn’t help bursting into tears.
