Roger Federer was spotted comforting his children following the delivery of an emotional speech as he retired from professional tennis in gracious defeat at the Laver Cup.Â
The 20-time Grand Slam Champion who paired alongside age-long friend and rival Rafael Nadal lost to American duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
The contest ended in thrilling defeat as Team World, courtesy of Tiafoe and Sock, aced out Team Europe represented by veterans Federer and Nadal with the score line of 4-6 7-6 11-9.
Roger Federerâs passionate retirement speech
The 41-year-old Federer had earlier announced his retirement last week but bowed out of game in special fashion with his final emotional speech summing up his class.Â
He said: âItâs been a wonderful day. Iâm happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. Iâm happy I made it through.
âItâs been the perfect journey. Iâd do it all again. Everyoneâs here, the boys and girls. My wife has been so supportive.
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 Luke Walker/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
"She could have stopped me a long time ago but she didnât. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so itâs amazing â thank you.
âBeing with the guys and having family and friends, I didnât feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match.
âI am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldnât be happier.â
Of course playing with Rafa, on the same team, having all the guys here and all the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan Edberg â thank you. It is amazing, it really is.
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)
âTo say goodbye in a team, I always felt I was a team player at heart.â
Roger Federer comforts his children after retirement
Footage emerging from the scene also saw tears rolling down his childrenâs cheeks after seeing their father play the final game of his career
The Swiss international calmed and pacified his children affirming them of his delight and excitement at his retirement in the following words: âIâm so happy. Iâm not sad. Ok?"
Video: Roger Federer comforts his children at Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal weeps as Federer departs Tennis
22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal was captured shedding tears alongside Federer as the latter said his farewells after their Laver Cup defeat.
Indeed, the exit of Roger Federer will be greatly missed in the field of professional tennis owing to his amazing exploits during his time in the industry.