Nadal, Del Potro and Alcaraz bow to Federer’s talent

Roger Federer had his talent revered on Thursday (15) after announcing his departure from tennis after playing in next week’s Laver Cup.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, one of the 41-year-old’s biggest rivals, said it was a privilege to share the world tennis circuit with him.

“Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day had never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you. , living so many amazing moments on and off the court,” Nadal wrote.

The Spaniard also said that the two will still have “more moments to share together in the future”.

Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and former coach, stated that his nephew “wouldn’t have been as strong without Roger Federer. He always had to raise his bar. Along with Djokovic, each of them made the others play better. “

Compatriot of Nadal, champion of the US Open and currently number 1 in the world in the ATP rankings, Carlos Alcaraz said that Federer is an inspiration in the sport. “Roger was one of my idols and a source of inspiration. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our sport. I still want to play against you. I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Argentine Juan Martín del Potro, one of the few Grand Slam winners outside the “Big Four”, as the singles tennis quartet made up of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are known, thanked the Swiss for everything that he did. “I love you Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done for tennis and for myself. Tennis will never be the same without you.”

Former US tennis player Billie Jean King, winner of 39 Grand Slam titles, including 20 Wimbledon championships, said Federer “has the most complete game of his generation and won the hearts of sports fans around the world with his incredible speed. on the court and a powerful tennis spirit. He had a historic career with memories that will last.”

“He redefined greatness on the court, while his champion spirit, sportsmanship and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades, inspiring so many to pick up a racket,” said ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi.