the race of Roger Federer It ended with a super tie-break, in London, in his Laver Cup, with Rafael Nadal by his side as he wished. The Swiss fell into the arms of the Spaniard before warmly greeting Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, who had the audacity to win 4-6, 7-6, 11-9. An obviously anecdotal result… Federer then fell into the arms of each of his teammates on the European team.
At that moment, the first tears were already beginning to flow. It was before the great ovation reserved by the O2 Arena that lasted for long minutes. Applause, shouts and a tearful Federer alone on the court to greet them and thank them one last time as a player. It was finally with the entire European team that he returned to the field so that everyone could fully enjoy this special moment. A moment apart. It was just the beginning of the tribute reserved for him with images and memories to retrace your exceptional journey.
1) The O2 Arena is packed to live the last game of the Master
Arena 02 was packed for the last match of Roger Federer’s career. The happiest had planned to come to the Laver Cup, but since the announcement of the Swiss’ withdrawal, ticket prices have skyrocketed.
2) Roger Federer applauded by Rafael Nadal and the European delegation
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
The public present in London does not miss a single crumb of each movement of the Swiss that is tracked by the cameras and that does the spectators good.
4) Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic celebrate a point by Casper Ruud against Jack Sock.
The Laver Cup is an exhibition, but each game is particularly close. We have thus seen the entire European clan come to support the rest of the players who can say that they had Federer, Nadal or Djokovic to train them.
5) Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in their place on the court
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.
6) The European delegation behind Nadal and Federer
Before playing the last match of his career, the Swiss in the 20 Grand Slams received the encouragement of the European clan, with the addition of those of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, two old acquaintances on the courts.
7) Smiles at the latest from Roger Federer
This guy serves pretty well… “Fedal” obviously won his first two service games and led 2-1 in the first set. Although they are very focused, the two former rivals do not hesitate to laugh on the pitch… And to the camera Tiafoe and Sock!
8) A beautiful poster in homage to the Master
“Understood… Thank you for these memories.” With these words, engraved on a poster with the best moments of the former world number 1’s career, this fan, visibly moved, wanted to pay tribute to his idol. For now, the inevitable duo leads 4-3 in the first set.
9) Roger Federer’s backhand is still aesthetically pleasing
The Swiss obviously hasn’t lost his old reflexes and still knows how to use his backhand. He rewarded the O2 Arena with a few successful volleys or other controlled forehands.
10) Fedal analyzes the start of the game
Deserved pause for the two acolytes, who then led 5-4 at this time of the game.
11) The clenched fist after winning the first set
The man with 20 Grand Slams has not lost his aggressiveness! After discussing match tactics with Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Djokovic won the first set 6-4.
12) Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal accomplices
Rivals one day, accomplices another. The two men in 42 Grand Slams clapped their hands to celebrate the success of the first set… However, in the second, the Tiafoe/Sock duo broke them and they now trail 3-1.
13) Federer and Nadal are destroyed!
The Spanish and the Swiss are fighting on all points and they are not giving up. And since patience is the mother of virtue, they managed to undo their evening opponent. 3-3 in the second set!
14) The O2 Arena is packed for the latest from Federer
The O2 Arena is completely conquered by the Federer/Nadal duo and applauds every point.
15) Federer forehand
The Swiss is concentrating on his forehand and is not going to let go of it for his last match… 5-5!
16) Nadal and Federer listen to advice from Team Europe
The Swiss and the Spanish listen carefully to the indications of their teammates from the European team. In the match, they are pushed into the tiebreaker!
17) Nadal and Federer in trouble
The Swiss returns to the wall for his last! Pushed to the tie-break, Federer and Nadal lost the second set (7-6, 7-2). Give way to the super tie-break.
18) “God saves the king”
The photo can be confusing. Concentrated during the service of the World Selection, the Master seems to be crowned… What to accentuate his legend a little more.
19) The King Abdicates
During the super tie-break, the Nadal/Federer duo lost to Tiafoe and Sock (11-9). As soon as the match was over, the Swiss fell into the arms of his eternal rival.
20) Federer cries for his last
Emotion is key. The Swiss broke down in tears at the end of the match and was comforted by Murray. He leaves 20 Grand Slams, 103 singles titles… And a huge mark on tennis.
21) Roger Federer surrounded by the European team
Accompanied by the team from Europe, the Master says goodbye to a room as moved as he is.
22) Roger Federer is applauded by the O2 Arena
The Swiss says goodbye to the applause of his teammates and the tears of his eternal rival, Rafael Nadal.