Roger Federer has announced his retirement and is ready to jump into the second set of his life. However, even though fans are thankful for over 20 years of sheer entertainment and his contribution to the sports world, his departure is still heartbreaking. In fact, not only fans but the current professionals and veterans are emotional about not seeing him on tours anymore as well.

On Thursday, Federer shared a clip breaking the sad news. Since then, the entire tennis fraternity has flooded social media platforms with expressions of gratitude toward the legend. While some entities addressed his gentle and caring side. Others thanked him for bringing crowds of supporters to the sport and making it more competitive.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s message

The other two of the big three addressed Federer’s farewell and shared their thoughts about the same. Nadal wrote, “If he’s playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible.”

“When he’s 100 percent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion added. Whereas the 2022 Wimbledon champion, Novak Djokovic claimed, “I don’t think you can always, or you can ever, get your game to perfection. Only if you are Federer.” 

Nadal’s last on-court encounter with Federer was in 2019. They locked horns for a seat in the finals of the Grand Slam of grass and the Swiss came out victorious. However, he failed to outclass the Serbian in the finals and Djokovic secured his fifth Wimbledon trophy that year.

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Speaking of Djokovic, his last clash with the 41-year-old was in the semifinals of the 2020 Australian Open. After defeating Federer, he successfully defended his trophy in the finals.

Other legends’ words for Roger Federer

Roger Federer’s retirement made everyone feel the need to say goodbye. Many shared their feeling regarding the former world no.1’s career, and some took a trip down memory lane. “If you want to be a tennis player, then mould yourself on Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe said.

Further, Andy Roddick addressed the down-to-earth and humble side of Federer. “He’s a real person. He’s not an enigma. Off the court he’s not trying to be somebody,” the 2003 US Open champion explained.

In addition, the lady who shares the record of 100 victories on the grass courts of London with eight Wimbledon triumphs also had a few things to say. Martina Navratilova said, “The body of work is phenomenal and now he has got that French Open and I think he can just go on and sip Margaritas for the rest of his life. “

Watch this story: Martina Navratilova scoffs at Roger Federer’s Laver Cup for their outrageous prices

Federer, after facing a quarterfinals defeat in last year’s grass swing majors took a break to pursue surgery for his injured knee. He gave over a year of recovery time and when his body demanded more rest; he decided to plan accordingly.

The right-handed tennis ace will perform his last dance on the hard courts of the Laver Cup. He will represent Team Europe for one last time alongside Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray at the O2 Arena in London.