Roger Federer is undoubtedly one of the most beloved tennis players of the modern era. The Swiss maestro captured the hearts of fans around the globe, bringing the sport to millions who admired his grace and skill on the court. Federer’s storied career officially came to a close at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he played his final match alongside his longtime rival, Rafael Nadal, at the iconic O2 Arena in London.
The last couple of years of Federer’s career were marred by a persistent knee injury, which led to multiple surgeries and ultimately forced him to step away from the game. Despite his valiant efforts to return to top form, Federer’s body simply couldn’t keep up with the demands of professional tennis. Though his incredible records were eventually eclipsed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer’s enduring popularity remains unmatched.
Throughout his career, Federer served as an inspiration to countless aspiring tennis players, many of whom took up the sport after witnessing his on-court brilliance. Even in retirement, Federer has stayed closely connected to tennis, with speculation that he may one day take on the role of Team Europe’s captain in the Laver Cup.
Tiriac Honors the Swiss Legend
Roger Federer’s influence transcended tennis, making him a global icon celebrated for his elegance both on and off the court. In a recent interview with ‘We Love Tennis,’ Ion Tiriac paid homage to Federer, stating, “Honestly, I don’t know Roger Federer very well, but he has always shown me great respect. Like the other stars on the tour, he calls me the chef. I truly believe that Federer is in a league of his own when compared to Nadal or Djokovic. He did things on a tennis court that hadn’t been done before. Physically, he may not have been as strong as Djokovic or Nadal, but the talent in his hands was undeniable.”
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, has been involved in countless legendary matches throughout his career, thrilling fans with his versatile playing style. In a conversation with Vogue, Federer recently reflected on the most significant match of his career: “I don’t remember the exact date — it’s not etched in my memory — but the match against Pete Sampras is my all-time favorite. It had everything: Sampras was my hero at the time, and this was my first and only opportunity to face him. It was also my first time playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon, and the match went to five sets. There was so much going on in my head; it was like a fairytale. I don’t recall if it was the first or second time I cried after winning a match, but the emotions were overwhelming.
I also cried when I helped Switzerland defeat the United States 3-1 in the Davis Cup in Basel, my hometown, contributing three points to clinch the victory. But I’m not sure if that was before or after this match. When my forehand return against Sampras landed in, and all the pressure evaporated, I fell to my knees and started crying. It felt surreal — like, ‘What’s happening?’ But that’s the magic of Wimbledon, Sampras, and Centre Court. That’s when you realize: ‘All the hard work is paying off. You’re on the right path.’ It was a milestone victory and felt like the perfect match.”
