On Thursday, 15 September, tennis great Roger Federer announced he will retire from the sport after participating in the Laver Cup, which will be held later this month. The Swiss maestro’s retirement is certain to leave an enormous void in the sport, and since his announcement, a benumbed sports family have unanimously celebrated his legacy on social media.
Federer, who turned professional back in 1998, has won 20 grand slam titles in his career, which includes eight Wimbledon triumphs. Besides that, he also won the prestigious Olympic gold medal for his nation back in 2008, while competing in a doubles event alongside Stanislas Wawrinka.
Opening up on his recent struggles with injuries, Federer wrote in his announcement, “The past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I've worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body's capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
Here is how the sports fraternity and other celebrities reacted to his retirement:
Virat Kohli commented, "The greatest of all time. King Roger."
Virat Kohli paid tribute to Roger Federer.
(Photo Courtesy: Instagram/rogerfederer)
Rafael Nadal, with whom Federer enjoys an iconic rivalry and friendship, penned a heartfelt note. "Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It's a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world," he said.
Sania Mirza wrote on her Instagram story, "Will tennis ever be the same???"
Sania Mirza's Instagram story.
(Photo: Instagram/mirzasaniar)
"Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us," Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.
"End of an era!" wrote Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma
Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav tweeted, "Farewell to the GOAT!"
"Grace and elegance personified, the title of GOAT suits you well," said former Indian women's team skipper Mithali Raj.
"Truly the greatest of all times," wrote the Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar.
Defending US Open men's singles champion Carlos Alcaraz called Federer his 'idol and inspiration.'
Billy Jean King called Federer a 'champion's champion.'
Tennis player Garbine Muguruza paid her tribute.
"I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career," Petra Kvitova wrote.
Milos Raonic said Roger Federer has done 'more for tennis than any single individual.'
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