Tears welled up as he thanked his European teammates at the Laver Cup, while applause resounded 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 competition as a professional tennis player.

– 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 have played in Federer’s last match.

– 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. Therefore, it was fitting that they would play together in the tournament that Federer announced as his last as a professional. The last time he played competitively was when he reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer.

– One of the greatest athletes, regardless of sport, of all time. The crowd will have the experience of a lifetime tonight, Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud said before the match.

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 in the top spot, for four years. half a year – 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.

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.