Tennis legend Roger Federer tearfully said goodbye to the crowd after playing the final match of his professional career, which he lost to Rafael Nadal in doubles at the Laver Cup.

Federer said: “It was a great day, I told my teammates that I was happy and not sad, I had a lot of fun again.”

He added: “Last time I didn’t feel much pressure, we played a great match and everyone was happy with this performance… And of course playing with Rafa next to all the legends… Thank you all.”

He continued: “I didn’t expect everything that I achieved at all, I just wanted to play tennis and my end came as I expected.”

Federer and Nadal narrowly lost to Americans Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe 6–4, 6–7 (2–7), 9–11 in a Super Thai break.

Regarding his career, he said: “I was happy to play tennis and spend time with friends, it was the perfect trip.”

He concluded by saying, “Thank you to my parents for being with me every minute. I thank everyone and everyone who played a role in my life. It was a wonderful evening.”

He has won 103 titles and is the second most titled player in history behind American Jimmy Connors (109).

Johnny Khoury