Home

Tennis

‘My F**King Heart Can’t Take This’ – Tennis World Revels in Joy as Novak Djokovic Delivers Surprising Tribute to Arch-Rival Roger Federer

Published 09/25/2022, 9:50 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Roger Federer hung his racket this Saturday after playing on the hard courts of the Laver Cup. The 20 times Grand Slam champion said goodbye to his 24 years of career and obviously made everyone emotional. From fans to his fellow big three players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, there wasn’t a single soul in the O2 arena of London who didn’t break a tear.

As the biggest rival and tour companion walked out of the sport, both Nadal and Djokovic had few things to say. However, the latter’s speech encompassed a different angle of Federer’s life. Therefore, it garnered a flood of reaction.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Fans’ reaction to Djokovic’s words

Djokovic spoke about how the Swiss maestro’s family’s presence overwhelmed him with happiness. Further, he detailed the value of having one’s family around in this individual sport. And here’s how fans responded to it. One wrote, “My f**ing heart can’t take this.” While the other pointed out, “just look at roger.”

 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Further, a couple of people pitched in on the 21 times Grand Slam champion’s down-to-earth behavior, “What a beautiful, selfless human being. You do you bro.”

“There are very few people on the planet who can understand exactly who and how Federer is who and what he is. And Djoko is one of those people. Beautifully said,” another mentioned. “Djokovic doesn’t get enough love from Federer fans! He’s truly the sweetest!”

Also, there were fans who in a fun way disclosed Djokovic‘s utter control on emotion and how swiftly he switches them. “Such lovely and beautiful words right after he murdered poor Tiafoe on the court. The duality of man,” said one. On the same day of delivering a heartfelt speech for Federer, the Serb thrashed the US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe in straight sets of 6-1 6-3.

Video: Bizarre Scenes at US Open 2022 as Novak Djokovic Fans Staged a Huge Protest Questioning the Ban

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In addition, a Federer fan used Djokovic’s speech to showcase the legend’s hold on the spot and his legacy. “Another proof of how incredible Roger Federer truly is and always will be.”

Novak Djokovic at the Laver Cup

The nine-time Australian Open champion entered the tournament after skipping the US Open. However, the break didn’t affect his game a bit. Djokovic, who last played on the greens of Wimbledon, stormed the hard courts of the historic event.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story:  Epic Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic encounters at the French Open

He took down Team world’s American- Aussie pair of Jack Sock and Alex De Minaur alongside the Italian star Matteo Berrettini. They secured an easy win of 7-5 6-2. Speaking of the singles, the 35-year-old at first got the better of Tiafoe and now will look forward to banking another win for Team Europe’s by defeating Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Mahima Verma

1,034Articles

One take at a time

Mahima Verma is a Tennis writer for EssentiallySports. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from IHM Mumbai. A sports enthusiast, particularly Tennis since her childhood, Mahima believes that she is fortunate enough to witness the legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams play.
Show More>

Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi