Tears streamed down as Roger Federer thanked his European teammates at the Laver Cup, while applause erupted in the tennis hall.

– Thank you, the audience was able to read on the lips of the tennis star, who applauded back to the audience.

Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe beat Switzerland’s Federer and Spain’s Nadal 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 11-9 in a tournament where teams of players from Europe played against teams from around the world. The final set is played as a tiebreak up to 10 points after the competitor has won each set.

– It’s a fantastic day. I have no regrets, it’s a pleasure to be here. It feels like a celebration. “It was exactly what I expected,” said Federer after his last game as a professional tennis player.

Federer described his tennis career as a “perfect journey”.

Thank you wife

– This is a big moment in my career. “I couldn’t be happier,” said a touched Federer after the match.

The audience in the hall applauded Federer with applause and cheers. Among them are also his wife, four children and his parents.

– I am very grateful for all the support I have received.

In tears, he especially thanked his wife, who had supported him over the years.

“He could have ended my career, but he was absolutely fantastic,” said Federer with tears in his eyes.

– one of the biggest

The Swiss also thanked Nadal for the match. On the field, they have been fierce competitors for several years, but personally the tone is good. So it’s only fitting that they play together in the tournament that Federer announced as his last as a professional.

– It was a friendly rivalry. “It’s not always easy, because we have fought for the same title, but our personal relationship is the most important,” Nadal said before the match, adding that he was grateful to be playing in Federer’s final match.

The last time he played competitively was when he reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer.

– He is one of the greatest athletes, whatever the sport, of all time. The crowd will have the experience of a lifetime tonight, said Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud before the game

Records and wins

With Friday’s match in London, Federer ended a professional career that began in 1998. For a total of six years, he has been ranked as the world’s best male tennis player, including the longest consecutive period anyone has held the top spot. , over four and a half years – closer to the specified 237 weeks – from February 2004 to August 2008.

He has amassed eight singles wins at Wimbledon, more than any other male player and has won a total of 20 Grand Slam titles.

The father of four has earned $127.5 million in his career, about 1.2 billion Norwegian kroner.

Although the Laver Cup marks the end of a 24-year professional career, Federer says he will continue to play in the future, just not at this level.