In mid-June, when his future was still unknown and he was still struggling to fully recover his right knee, Roger Federer had said the only official ATP tournament he had planned to play this year was basel. That plan fell apart when, just over a month ago, the Swiss surprised by announcing that his last game would be in the Laver cup, which took place from 23 to 25 September in London. The organizers of Switzerland indoors, which the former number one has won ten times, were equally thrilled to pay him a great tribute during the tournament, which will be played in two weeks. But Federer declined the invitation and assured him that he is still “too early” to say goodbye at home.
Are you rethinking retirement? There is no way. His refusal to accept the celebration on her behalf had another reason. “I want to thank the tournament for their willingness to have me in Basel this year, but I’m still trying to assimilate everything I’ve experienced recently. This house party in Basel would have had a very special meaning, but it would come right after that. who lived in London, “explained the Swiss.
Federer brought down the curtain on his extraordinary career on Friday, September 23, when he played his last game, a double in which he teamed up with Rafael Nadal, his greatest rival and also his friend, at the end of the first day of Laver. After the match, which Swiss and Spaniards lost 4-6, 7-6 (7-2) and 11-9 against the Americans Jack Sock and Frances TiafoeRoger was overcome with emotion and cried. I cry a lot.
On an extremely emotional night, the hugs with his companions and rivals, the infinite ovation that the audience gave him, privileged witness of his latest performance, a video with a cascade of praise and the presence of his family – his parents, Roberto Y linette; his wife, Mika; and their children, the twins Myla Y Charlene and the twins Leo Y Lenny– and of many important people in his career, they disarmed the winner of 20 Grand Slams. And he ended up infecting everyone present at the O2 Arena, especially Nadal, who couldn’t hold back his tears.
“I think looking around and seeing how excited everyone was, obviously it’s even better, or even worse, I’m not sure what to say. That’s what I’ll remember, the faces I’ve seen excited,” said Federer, who was the his voice cracked several times during his final speech.
The Swiss recovered from a very difficult night, from an emotional point of view, and was present for the next two days in London, in which the team World He ended up winning 13-8 and was crowned tournament champion for the first time in five editions. But what he experienced during those three days in London – and the repercussions that his retirement had around the world, especially on social media – was very strong. And it looks like he’s still taking it.
For this he decided not to accept the tribute they intended to pay him at his home. At least for now. And after the tournament, they understood.
Roger Federer is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and honoring him during our tournament would be a special occasion in the right place. We would like to celebrate Federer’s successful years in our tournament, but we understand that he needs more time after the splendid end of his career, “he said. Roger Brennwald, competition director, in which the Swiss was crowned for the last time in 2019.
His compatriots will have to wait to greet him at the level of one of the best in history.
Source: Clarin
