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Rafael Nadal can’t hold back tears as rival Roger Federer emotionally bids farewell to tennis after his last ever game ended in defeat to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup
- Tennis superstar Roger Federer put an end to his illustrious career on Friday
- Federer’s emotional farewell also brought longtime rival Rafael Nadal to tears
- The legend and partner Nadal was defeated by Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe
- The duel in the men’s doubles of the Laver Cup was decided with a tiebreak of 11-9 match
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Rafael Nadal burst into tears for his great rival Roger Federer as the 20-time Grand Slam winner retired from tennis.
The pair teamed up last night to take on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the Laver Cup and the four players produced an all-ages match at London’s O2 Arena.
Team World duo Sock and Tiafoe proved the pantomime villains with a 4-6 7-6 (2) 11-9 win over the 02, but it was still a celebration for the 41-year-old.
Rafael Nadal burst into tears for his great rival Roger Federer as he retired from tennis
Despite Federer’s last game ending in defeat, the 41-year-old still had a blast
Federer was moved to tears at the end of the game as he closed the curtains on his illustrious career.
Not only did the Swiss maestro cry, his longtime rival Nadal also shed some tears, as they enjoyed a long hug at the end of the match before receiving a final standing ovation from a sold-out crowd despite the clock being set right past midnight.
The duo were also captured crying while sitting next to each other while two-time BRIT Award winner Ellie Goulding performed.
Federer and Nadal enjoyed a long hug at the end of the match at the Laver Cup
Federer and playing partner Rafael Nadal were defeated by Jack Sock (left) and Frances Tiafoe
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Jim Courier summoned the former world No. 1 for the on-field interview after the match.
“We’re going to get through this one way or another,” Federer said on the track.
‘Look, it was a beautiful day. I told the boys I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time.
“Everything was the last time. Funnily enough with all the matches, with the guys and having family and friends around, I didn’t feel that much stress, even if I felt something was going to happen during the match. I’m so glad I made it and the race was great. I couldn’t be happier.
Nadal and Federer played side by side in his last match at the O2 Arena in London
“Of course playing with Rafa on the same team, with all the guys here, the legends, Rocket (Rod Laver), Stefan Edberg, thank you.
‘It feels like a party to me. I wanted to feel that way at the end and it’s exactly what I was hoping for, so thank you.
“It was a perfect trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat…”
Federer had to hold back his tears before thanking his wife Mirka, who has seen him fight through a succession of knee surgeries before finally admitting defeat in his bid to come back last week.
He added: ‘Thank you everyone. I’ve had so many people cheering me on and you guys here tonight mean the world.
“My wife has been so supportive… she could have stopped me long, long ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and let me play, so thank you. She is amazing.’