Farewell to the GOAT: Sports world reacts to Federer's retirement
Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion who has long been one of the most beloved athletes in all of sports, said Thursday that he intends to retire from professional tennis later this month.
Though he hasn't played competitively in over a year, his announcement still sent waves throughout the tennis world, which saluted the 41-year-old on an iconic career.
Roger,
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022
Where do we begin?
It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many. pic.twitter.com/VDWylKvW86
When the dream came true 🏆@rogerfederer | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/hd6IUZN5wH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022
Dear Roger,my friend and rival.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court 👇🏻
(1/2) Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/zxGq4izh1v
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 15, 2022
RF then. RF now. #RForever.
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 15, 2022
After a glittering career, @rogerfederer will retire after the Laver Cup next week ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I9qqhkBECM
Roger… 💔
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022
Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! 🥲 Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! ❤️ I still want to play with you! 🥹 Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next! 💪🏻 @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/k4xjyN3AAB
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022
The biggest idol and inspiration to me and so many others, forever
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) September 15, 2022
Thank you for everything ♥️
„Its a beautiful day to go after your dream, Belinda!” - RF
31.7.2021 pic.twitter.com/PRNuwyot8x
Roger, there was and never will be anyone like you. You crushed me on the court, but were so nice and genuine that I couldn’t hate you for it. You made the game better on and off the court and you will be missed. Good luck, you have earned all the success and joy in the world https://t.co/DwROmZXeJm
— James Blake (@JRBlake) September 15, 2022
💔😢. I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you. https://t.co/Wm0IjNqjjx
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) September 15, 2022
R O G E R! ♥️ 😢#Federer#RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/zjLaWRem9Z
— Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) September 15, 2022
Roger 😭😭😭
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 15, 2022
Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger ….
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 15, 2022
Federer, who'll go down as one of the greatest athletes in history, transcends tennis. It was no surprise, then, that he received plaudits from the wider sporting world - and beyond - in the wake of his decision to retire.
Congratulations on a game-changing career, Roger. 👏
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) September 15, 2022
Have an ace retirement! And remember, you'll always be part of the Mercedes family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7KtNeOfPVr
The GOAT @rogerfederer 👌🏻 pic.twitter.com/11IT2MQpyI
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) September 15, 2022
Congratulations, @RogerFederer, on an incredible 24 year run. You’re now ready for podcasting.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) September 15, 2022