Among the highlights of 2022, it is impossible not to mention Roger Federer’s retirement, which brought real heartbreak to all tennis fans. The former world number 1 played his last official match at the Laver Cup, the exhibition he founded in 2017. The King joined forces with arch-rival Rafael Nadal to take on Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at London’s O2 Arena, before receiving a lavish tribute that moved everyone to tears. The Swiss had tried a timid comeback in 2021, playing only 13 official matches and stopping again after Wimbledon. The state of his right knee prevented him from continuing to compete at the highest level and his age did the rest. Once his knee is better, the 20-time slam champion plans to put on several exhibitions. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Sumit Nagal recalled his first and only match against Federer staged at the 2019 US Open. “Roger Federer was a tennis wizard. You never knew what to expect from a player like him,” Nagal recounted. “The unpredictability was without a doubt the most annoying part of his game. You constantly wondered if he would go down to the net after he served, if he would use the short backhand to force you forward and the like. He had an unlimited arsenal of shots. You were aware of it, but then you had to see what you could and couldn’t do,” added Sumit. In a long interview with “Eurosport Germany”, Tommy Haas paid tribute to Federer. “Roger Federer is an incredible man both on and off the court. You always have fun with him,” Tommy Haas began. “He has a wonderful outlook on life and it’s great to spend time with people like him. It’s crazy what he has achieved. He has combined efficiency and consistency in the best possible way. Between 2004 and 2006, he played heavenly tennis. He was from another planet”, commented the German.
Ljubicic reflects on King Roger
While speaking to Marion Bartoli on her podcast, Ivan Ljubicic mentioned that Roger Federer has continued to train and would like to have fun on the court as feels his best there. “He still practices when he can, he is still staying active, and he feels good. His life hasn’t changed much. I know he would like to have fun on the tennis courts, that’s the place where he feels the best,” said the Croat. Federer enjoys time with his family and travels the world to share with his loved ones and meet different sporting and commercial events.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login