Last year, Roger Federer waved a tearful goodbye to his beloved sport. After continuous issues with his knees, Federer decided it was time to stop playing tennis at the professional level. But he was not the only one who was struck by the reality of his retirement. Understandably, his family was also quite sad about the reason Federer had to leave the sport. 

Along with Federer and his wife, his archrivals, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, shed tears after the Swiss Maestro’s final match at the 2022 Laver Cup. 

Roger Federer shares the mindset of his family when retirement was on the horizon

The first day of the 2022 Laver Cup was filled with emotions as Roger Federer retired from the sport for good. After the match, he sat down for a press conference where he talked about the retirement decision and how it came to fruition. While it was hard for him to continue playing, it was harder for his wife to watch him struggle constantly with his injuries.

“The last few years were hard for me, but I think they were even harder for her,” Federer admitted. “She really didn’t enjoy watching me anymore, with all the injuries. I felt kind of sorry for her.”

Although his wife was rather sad about the state to which Federer was reduced, his children also echoed her feelings as they wouldn’t go around the world to watch their father play anymore. 

“They were very emotional. Three out of four cried,” he said. “They asked: ‘Are we not going to Halle, to Wimbledon, to Indian Wells anymore?‘

“I said: ‘Not really. But if you want, we can go again’.”

Federer’s retirement last year hit his family harder than it hit any fan. While him and his wife shed many tears, they weren’t alone as the other two members of the Big Three also cried with them. 

When Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal cried for the Swiss Maestro

After the final match of Federer’s career concluded, the Swiss Maestro and his wife could not help but shed tears. The two weren’t alone in that regard, as Djokovic and Nadal joined them. First, only Nadal was crying as the Djoker held back his tears. But he couldn’t maintain his composure and shed tears as Mirka was appreciating him for his support.

Federer’s retirement last year was a poignant moment, but the Swiss Maestro can now look back on a glorious career. Moreover, his presence on the sidelines in the upcoming 2023 Laver Cup is highly anticipated. Do you think he will mentor his former Team Europe teammates or will he oversee the tournament from a neutral perspective? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch This Story – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Other Tennis Stars Travel?