Roger Federer made news on September 15 when he announced his retirement from professional tennis. This caught the entire sporting world by surprise. A day after the Swiss tennis ace announced his retirement, one of his fiercest rivals, Novak Djokovic, left a heartfelt tribute for the tennis great.

Famously known as the ‘Big Three’, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have ruled the men’s circuit for well over two decades. The trio have won an astonishing 63 Grand Slam titles in this period, a record that will certainly stand unchallenged for decades.

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer’s main adversary, sends him a lovely message

Djokovic took to Instagram and uploaded a message that said, “Roger, it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together. Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise…”  

He further added, “It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come. I know that this new chapter will hold amazing things for you, Mirka, the kids, all your loved ones, and Roger fans still have a lot to look forward to.”

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Along with the Serb, other prominent stars like Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras sent their wishes to the 20-time Grand Slam champion. With the upcoming Laver Cup set to be his last tournament, fans will be eager to watch the Swiss Maestro in action for one last time.

Also read- ‘Means a Lot’ – Roger Federer Thanks Andre Agassi for His Kind Words After Bringing Curtains Down on His Illustrious Career

The well-known Roger Federer-Novak Djokovic rivalry

Novak Djokovic has had the most productive rivalry with Federer during the Open era. Federer was the dominant force on the tour until 2008 when Djokovic won his first major championship at the Australian Open, and Nadal beat Federer at Wimbledon. The Serb’s win marked the beginning of a rivalry that would blossom into a fiercely competitive one in the coming years.

Djokovic and Federer have met 50 times, with the former leading 27-23, including 13-6 in finals. They’ve fought 17 matches in majors, with the Serb winning 11-6. After his memorable Wimbledon victory over Italian rival Matteo Berrettini, the current World No.7 settled scores with Federer’s count of 20 Grand Slams.

Djokovic went on to eclipse Federer by winning his 21st major title this year at Wimbledon. With this victory, the Serbian player has now won seven titles at the All England Lawn and Croquet Club. This makes him one short of Federer’s record of eight.

With his 24-year epic tennis career, the all-time great Swiss pro will say his final goodbyes to the professional game by competing in the Laver Cup next week alongside Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray.

Do you think Federer can leave his beloved sport on a high by winning the Laver Cup?

Watch this story- ‘What a Class Act’ – Serena Williams Sends Love as Roger Federer Hangs His Tennis Racket