Roger Federer receives emotional tribute from Premier League and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba after retiring besides his archrival Rafael Nadal.
After announcing his decision to finally quit the tennis court after years of an eventful and fruitful career, Roger Federer played his last match in an emotion-filled atmosphere.
Despite exiting from the court with a loss at the Laver Cup, the tennis star overshadowed the event with his retirement message. The fans had to take the last shot, with the game’s greatest hero being his final appearance on the court.
Federer played alongside fellow tennis icon and top star Raphael Nadal, representing team Europe in the Laver Cup.
He wrapped up his professional tennis career with a loss. Playing along Raphael Nadal for Team Europe, Federer lost 4-6, 7-6(2), and 11-9 to Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World in the Lavey Cup.
However, the loss was insignificant as his farewell from him and the fans, colleagues, and friends took center stage.
After the match, a tearful Roger Federer gave a warm hug to Tiafoe, Sock, and Nadal before applauding the fans who hailed his heroic exploits on the courts since the beginning of his career.
Federer’s wife, children, and close family members were present at the event and joined the fans in hoisting Roger Federer into the air as he said goodbye to the tennis court.
Roger Federer’s Tennis Career
Born on August 8, 1982, in Basel, Switzerland, Roger Federer is one of the world’s most celebrated tennis stars.
The Swiss former professional tennis star started his tennis career in 1998 and has won many laurels and trophies throughout his tennis career. He was ranked world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 310 weeks. Roger Federer also recorded 237 consecutive weeks and had finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. He has 20 Grand Slams to his credit and has won 103 ATP singles titles, the second most of all time.
Since announcing his retirement on September 23, 2022, the 41-year-old Swiss star has received tributes from sports legends across the globe.
Ivorian and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba joined others to wish the tennis icon a farewell.
Drogba took to his Instagram page to congratulate Roger Federer and also commended the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by him and Raphael Nadal.
Posting a picture of the duo holding hands after the Lavey Cup, Drogba thanked the duo for “being such an inspiration for all sports people,” saying that his “greatest memory of the two giants was at the 2008 Wimbledon final.“
Drogba said he has “been lucky enough to witness greatness,” courtesy of the two “maestro.”
Roger Federer retired gloriously at 41 after a great and heroic 24 years career in tennis.
