Roger Federer wrapped up his superlative professional tennis career at age 41 with a loss in doubles alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam titles, and Nadal, whose 22 are the men’s record, paired up for Team Europe and were beaten on Friday night by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World 4-6, 7-6 (2), 11-9 at the O2 Arena in London.
In front of a 17,500 sell-out crowd at the O2, Federer returned from more than a year away for a last dance in tandem with his great rival on a gripping and memorable finale by the Thames.
If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
Seeing Rafa cry after Roger’s final match of his career. Just wow.
The respect every player – even his most intense rival – had for Federer says it all.
(🎥: @Olly_Tennis_ ) pic.twitter.com/7ud8wUuPST
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 23, 2022
An emotional final farewell.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/lSZb9KfvbN
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022