Roger Federer succumbed to emotion at his farewell: tears, thanks and the special message to his wife

He couldn’t help it. As soon as the defeat with Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe took place at the O2 Arena in London, the embrace of friend Rafael Nadal arrived, Roger Federer He gave in to tears, the ones he held back all day because he wasn’t just one more: it was September 23 of his farewell.

“We will try to somehow overcome all this,” he told his interlocutor on duty, after hugging each of his teammates from the European team and his Rest of the World rivals in the Laver Cup, the exhibition tournament he has chosen. to play pro for the last time.

“It was a spectacular day. I told the guys: ‘I’m happy, I’m not sad’. I’m happy to be here. I enjoyed tying my shoes again, it was all for the last time. With all the matches and being here with the fans, the family and the kids it wasn’t stressful, even though I knew something was going to go away. I am so glad I went through all of this“Remembered that he had to stop talking on multiple occasions when he burst into tears, especially when he thanked the support of his parents, his wife Mirka and their children, all present for the farewell.

“I was just happy to play tennis and spend time with my friends. I didn’t expect it to end up in all of this. It was a perfect trip. I would do it again“she adds and cries again.” I had a great time. Thank you all for encouraging me “, she highlighted her before dedicating herself to a special dedication

“They are all here tonight, my sons, my daughters, my wife who has always supported me“he thanked deeply moved and wiping tears.”He could have stopped me some time ago but he didn’t -said the 41-year-old Swiss woman referring to Mirka-. She allowed me to play, she didn’t stop me, she’s spectacular. “

“Thanks to my mom for everything, without her of course I wouldn’t be here. Thanks to my parents. Thanks to everyone, there are so many people to thank, my God. It’s a great night,” he concentrated.

In addition, Federer talked about what motivated him to choose the Laver Cup to play his last game. “I didn’t want to feel alone -he confessed-, greets in a team, because here I felt part of a team. Playing all these Laver Cups, traveling the world with them was fantastic, they were all fantastic. “

“This match was great, I couldn’t be happier. And obviously playing with Rafa on the same team and with these legends … Thank you,” he commented before bursting into a muffled cry that moved towards each of his players. teammates especially Nadal.

“It felt like a party, not the end. And I wanted to feel it that way, so thank you“he told the 17,000 people who, with their standing ovation, granted that last wish at midnight in London.