Twitter reacts to retirement announcement of Roger Federer
By SouravGanguly
The news came just a few days after Serena William bid adieu to the world of tennis.
Multi-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer announced his retirement via Twitter on Thursday. The news sent ripples across the tennis world at large. Though speculation was pretty much underway about Roger’s future in tennis after his long absence from the courts. The Swiss legend had missed every Grand Slam this year. It was something that was very much unlike him as he had never chosen to stay away from the court for that long.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
However, there was a steady decline in his appearances at major competitions over the last three years. The grass court magician limited his on-court activities. Moreover, a knee injury he suffered last year was causing quite a few problems. Roger did undergo surgery and was in rehabilitation. So fans had no idea a retirement plan was brewing on the horizon as they expected a comeback sometime later this year.
Roger’s plan to ultimately end his career definitely came as a shock to many. The always humble and courteous Fed Express thanked his friends, competitors and his loyal fans. Roger added that the upcoming Laver Cup will be his final ATP tournament, The 41-year-old stressed about his age being one of the factors behind his decision. On top of that how he was struggling after his surgeries also helped him make a decision.
The surgeries, though successful, had greatly diminished his chances of playing in the fashion he did. Soon after this mega announcement, Twitter exploded with his fans and peers pouring in their love and adulation. From his rivals of the past to the present. To former greats and newcomers alike. Everybody poured their heart out to wish the legend on his new journey ahead. Here are the excerpts.
Reactions on Twitter
His arch-rival and friend Rafael Nadal recounted about their journey and time together on the court.
We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
The Wimbledon too sent a heartwarming message to their champion.
Roger,Where do we begin? It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many. pic.twitter.com/VDWylKvW86
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022
Former World No 1 women’s tennis player Billie Jean King had this to say
(1/2) Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/zxGq4izh1v
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 15, 2022
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also had kind words for his favourite player
What a career, @rogerfederer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. pic.twitter.com/FFEFWGLxKR
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 15, 2022
The great Rod Laver also chimed in on Roger’s retirement. Coincidentally Roger’s last ATP appearance will be in the Laver Cup this September.
Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket https://t.co/wjjk1lvd2H
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 15, 2022
Finally, we come down to the next-gen of tennis. The newly crowned US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz called him his “idol” and “inspiration”.
Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! 🥲 Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! ❤️ I still want to play with you! 🥹 Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next! 💪🏻 @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/k4xjyN3AAB
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022
Roger Federer will be a major missing on the ATP tours.
🕰 24 years.🎾 1526 singles matches.🎉 1,251 wins.🥇 310 weeks as No. 1.🏆 103 titles.2️⃣0️⃣ Grand Slams.💪 0 match retirements.Roger. Federer.@rogerfederer | #RForever pic.twitter.com/fJsAafHVCi
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 15, 2022
The story where James Blake reveals how Roger Federer supported him in the biggest final of his career –
In 2004, James Blake suffered a broken neck in a training accident. In 2006, he reached the biggest final of his career to date – where he revealed how Roger Federer had supported him at the time ❤️@JRBlake @rogerfederer #RForever pic.twitter.com/lmGXbVFbFz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 16, 2022
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