Roger Federer bowed out of tennis with an emotional on-court interview at the O2 arena last night.

The Swiss great was taking part in the Laver Cup, which is a team tournament that he helped create, and he certainly ended his career in fitting circumstances.

The 41-year-old played alongside long-time rival and great friend Rafael Nadal in a doubles match against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal partner up for final game

The duo have an unbelievable 42 Grand Slam titles between them and they delighted the London crowd once again, despite losing the match in the end.

They were beaten 4-6 7-6 11-9 as Team World levelled the competition at 2-2 at the end of play on day one, but that was almost irrelevant on Federer’s big night.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion announced earlier this month that he would retire from the sport that he has graced for the last 24 years.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer of Team Europe shows emotion as they acknowledge the fans following their final match during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

But he wanted to have one final outing in front of a London crowd that he has amazed many times over the years.

Roger Federer's emotional good-bye speech

Speaking after the match, he gave his adoring fans one of the most emotional on-court interviews ever.

He said: “It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through.

“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again. Everyone’s here, the boys and girls. My wife has been so supportive.

Video: Roger Federer's speech at the Laver Cup

“She could have stopped me a long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s amazing – thank you.

“Being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match.

“I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”

Rafael Nadal cries as Roger Federer says good-bye

A visibly teared up Nadal, who cried alongside Federer, was sat courtside during the interview and the occasion clearly meant a lot to him also.

Federer continued: “Of course playing with Rafa, on the same team, having all the guys here and all the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan Edberg – thank you. It is amazing, it really is.

“To say goodbye in a team, I always felt I was a team player at heart.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer of Team Europe shows emotion alongside Rafael Nadal following their final match during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)

Ending his speech, a choked-up Federer wanted to thank everybody that has been there along the way.

He said: “Thanks to my parents – you’ve been amazing. Thank you!

“And just everybody, too many people to thank, it’s just been incredible. My god. A fantastic night. Thank you everybody, thank you.”

More importantly, thank you, Roger, for everything!