Roger Federer retired from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup.
24 years after he made his professional debut, Federer played the final match of his career, at the Laver Cup, an event he helped create.
Playing alongside his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, Federer lost to the American duo of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock in a thrilling match at the O2 Arena in London.
Federer received plenty of heartfelt messages upon his retirement, including one from arguably the greatest golfer of all time.
In a video posted on the ATP Tour YouTube channel, Jack Nicklaus congratulated Federer on his tennis career.
Jack Nicklaus said he was going to lose watching his ‘favorite player’ when Roger Federer retired
The 18-time major champion sent a message to a 20-time major champion…
“Hey, Roger, Jack Nicklaus here. I remember when I retired from playing golf, it was a sad day but a happy day,” he said.
“I’m going to lose watching my favorite player, because it was really fun watching you.
“You were sensational.
“I loved the way you handled yourself on the court. I loved the way you handled yourself off the court.
“You’ve been a true champion, not only for the game, but for your family, but for everybody that you know, who loves you.”
Federer was, as Nicklaus described, a ‘true champion’, and helped bring tennis into a new era.
The Swiss star broke the record for Grand Slam wins, surpassing Pete Sampras’ tally of 14 in 2009.
He retired with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name, and now sits third in the all-time list behind Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (24).
There will likely never be anyone quite like Federer again, who left a good impression on almost everyone he interacted with.
What did other sporting legends say when Roger Federer retired?
Nicklaus wasn’t the only sporting legend to send Federer a message, as several others shared a few words.
“Roger, congratulations on an incredible career. You were dominant over a long period of time, and it was a pleasure to watch you play,” said seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady.
“Hello Roger, it’s a great honor for me to be able to send this video across to you, congratulating you on a phenomenal career that has given us so many beautiful moments and memories, ” added Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli.
“I personally had the chance to meet you at the Australian Open in 2018, something that I’ll never forget in my life.
“One thing that stood out for me when watching you play was that so many people around the world, not just in the world of tennis, got behind you, supporting you, and that kind of unity, I’ve never seen for any other individual athlete ever.
“That is something that cannot be created, cannot be generated in any way. You always had that special ability; it was very evident when we watched you play, and the aura you brought to the court was unmatchable.
“For me, you are always going to be the greatest of all time.”
“Hi Roger, I really hoped this day would never come, to be honest,” said former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.
“But thank you, thank you in the name of all of us.
“All of us means all sports fans around the world for letting us enjoy your game, your magic, for so many years.
“There’s no better example for young athletes. You’ve been a huge inspiration all these years.”
It’s clear to see that Federer left his mark not only on the world of tennis, but the world of sport…
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