David Ferrer, one among Roger Federer’s outdated rivals, has summed up the response to the information that the nice man plans to retire, when he known as it “the saddest day in tennis”.
Federer introduced his retirement from the game on Thursday night time in a “bittersweet choice”. Taking to Instagram, the Swiss participant shared with the world that the Laver Cup in London subsequent week shall be his last ATP occasion.
“At present, I need to share some information with all of you … As lots of you realize, the previous three years have introduced me with challenges within the type of accidents and surgical procedures,” he stated.
“I’ve labored exhausting to return to full aggressive kind. However I additionally know my physique’s capacities and limits, and its message to me recently has been clear.”
The 41-year-old has performed greater than 1500 matches over 24 years. Between 2003, when he received his first Wimbledon title aged simply 21, Federer went on to play in 21 out of the subsequent 28 grand slam finals. He was the primary man to win 20 grand slam singles titles.
Federer finishes his taking part in profession as some of the lauded athletes in historical past.
Right here’s what the tennis world has stated in regards to the nice man:
“If you wish to be a tennis participant, then mould your self on Roger Federer. I received three Wimbledon titles and I want I might play like him” – John McEnroe
“I’d wish to be in his sneakers for sooner or later to know what it feels wish to play that method” – Mats Wilander
“One of the best ways to beat him could be to hit him over the top with a racquet” – Rod Laver
“Roger, the place do we start? It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you change into a champion in each sense of the phrase.
“We are going to so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, however all we are able to say for now’s thanks, for the recollections and pleasure you have got given to so many.” – Wimbledon
“Within the fashionable sport, you’re a clay court docket specialist, a grass court docket specialist or a tough court docket specialist… otherwise you’re Roger Federer” – Jimmy Connors
“If he’s taking part in excellent, I’ve to play unbelievable. If not, it’s unimaginable. When he’s 100 per cent, he’s taking part in in one other league. It’s unimaginable to cease him” – Rafael Nadal
“I don’t suppose you possibly can all the time, or you possibly can ever, get your sport to perfection. Solely in case you are Federer” – Novak Djokovic
“I can cry like Roger – it’s only a disgrace I can’t play like him” – Andy Murray
“He’s an actual particular person. He’s not an enigma. Off the court docket, he’s not making an attempt to be anyone. For those who met him at McDonald’s and also you didn’t know who he was, you’d don’t know that he’s top-of-the-line athletes on the planet” – Andy Roddick
“Roger can produce tennis pictures that must be declared unlawful” – Tracy Austin
“The physique of labor is phenomenal, and now he has obtained that French Open, and I feel he can simply go on and sip Margaritas for the remainder of his life” – Martina Navratilova
“In my view, he’s the perfect participant ever. While you play tennis, taking part in Federer is type of a dream as a result of you possibly can see he does every little thing you’d like to do on the court docket” – Fabrice Santoro
“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has essentially the most full sport of his technology and captured the hearts of sports activities followers world wide with an incredible quickness on the court docket and a strong tennis thoughts.
“He has had a historic profession with recollections that may dwell on and on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We want you the easiest as your journey continues.” – Billie Jean King
“Perhaps I might win extra championships and prize cash if Federer was not in the identical age with me, however you need to know that there’s something cash can not purchase – that’s taking part in towards Federer” – Ivan Ljubicic
“As an individual, he confirmed us that you simply don’t must be actually some place else, you is usually a first rate man attaining a number of issues and nonetheless be an individual which everyone admires” – Sergiy Stakhovsky
“He’s positively the legend of the tennis. I feel proper now he’s the best tennis participant we ever had and, for me, it’s all the time difficult to play towards him. It’s all the time nice as a result of, it doesn’t matter what, I’ll say to my youngsters, I performed towards him” – Gael Monfils
“He hits pictures that different guys don’t hit. You need to go over and provides him a excessive 5 typically, however you possibly can’t try this. You need to beat him however he’s enjoyable to look at, too” – Sam Querrey
“I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thanks for every little thing you’ve accomplished in tennis and with myself. Tennis world won’t ever be the identical with out you.” – Juan Martin Del Potro
“The saddest day in tennis. Thanks Mr Federer.” – David Ferrer
“Roger – you have got all the time been such an enormous inspiration to me. Your magnificence, your grace, your lovely sport.
“I’ve all the time held you within the highest regard and need to congratulate you for an incredible profession. Tennis received’t be the identical with out you! Thanks.” – Petra Kvitova
“The top of a powerful period.” – Judy Murray, Andy Murray’s mom
