With 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 103 ATP titles, and an incredible 310 weeks as world number one, it’s not been a bad ride for Roger Federer at the pinnacle of global tennis.The Swiss announced his retirement from the professional game last week and made his final swansong in a doubles match at the Laver Cup, with long-time friend and rival Rafael Nadal beside him.Federer, who had been struggling with a knee issue for the past two years, had not played a competitive match for over 12 months, but rallied to a thrilling performance alongside Nadal to give the fans one final showing, before bowing out to American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
Roger Federer supports Novak Djokovic at the Laver Cup
Despite the 41-year-old’s esteemed stature as a sporting great and disputable ‘GOAT’ of tennis, his deferential nature and humble attitude shone through right to the very end in an intriguing exchange with adversary Novak Djokovic.
During Djokovic’s assured victory over US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe, Federer – on the bench to support his continental compatriot - can be seen asking if the Serb wishes for a drink, to which a breathless Djokovic replies: “Yes, some water please.â€
Video: Roger Federer fetches water for Novak Djokovic
It is just one such instance of Federer’s nobility and integrity that has gone in tandem with his exceptional sporting talent.
Indeed, his endearing personality is just as integral to his global stature as his ability, and such gestures only serve to stoke the fire that leaves him on a golden pedestal in the eyes of sports fans across the globe.
Roger Federer compliments Novak Djokovic
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer of Team Europe speaks with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic 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)
A further exchange between the tennis greats was spotted during Djokovic’s return to live action yesterday, with Federer providing advice as Djokovic, 21-time singles champion, assuredly breezed past Tiafoe.
Some may feel such tips would be wasted on Djokovic, but the 35-year-old, making his first appearance since winning Wimbledon this summer, agreed with his former opponent and offered his gratitude for a warming comment about his swing.
Video: Roger Federer praises Novak Djokovic for how well he is playing
Federer is very much a student of the sport, and again, his personable attitude and willingness to provide advice and constructive criticism to others – even those considered to be his greatest rivals – is a reminder of just why the affection for the star stretches beyond reaches most athletes dare to dream of.
Djokovic, for his part, declared Federer’s departure from the sport to be a poignant moment, and described his foe as ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time.’
The curtain of Federer’s professional career has finally, painfully, draped, but his presence within the professional field will remain and his influence on professional athletes is clear as day.