London – On a Friday night in late September, One wouldn’t associate a doubles match to be eagerly watched. Except when the doubles involve Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.The event is known to the world as “Laver Cup ” which is best dubbed an exhibition team event between Team Europe and Team World.The Cup this year in particular was the setting scene for Roger’s final farewell to his professional tennis career.His last singles match was a quarterfinal loss to Herbert Hurkacz in Wimbledon 2021.

Roger s illustrious tennis career stems back to when “Pistol” Pete Sampras ruled tennis.As a junior who had won Wimbledon in 1998, he burst into fame beating Pete in 4th round of Wimbledon 2001. It was a famous Wimbledon which had Goran Ivanisevic crowned as the winner in the twilight of his career on a Monday finish . Little did we know that in two years, Roger would be lifting the first of his 8 Wimbledons and going onto win 20 grand slam wins.Pete retired after winning his 14th grand slam in New York in September 2002. When he announced it suddenly, it seemed tennis might not be the same as his rivalry with Andre Agassi drew to a close.

Roger had an exemplary and unique style. He would be a perfect blend to the serve of volley style of Pete and baseline strength of Andre. He would be relaxed during the games yet emotional in moments of triumph.He would become the overwhelming crowd favourite and was set to dominate men’s tennis with his own array of brilliant stroke play.

The tennis sensation from Basel, would go onto clean up most of the slams in 2004 and it seemed that the next tennis rivalry of his would have Andy Roddick attached to him. Roddick replaced Sampras as the 2003 US open champion however that would be his only slam. Federer’s main rival would come in 2005 when a teenager called Rafael Nadal burst into the scene on a surface where Roger was found to most vulnerable – clay.

Together, they became the no 1 rivalry of the sport sharing many finals in major events and slams. The 2007 and 2008 Wimbeldon finals were soon to raise the bar very high for the sport. The 2009 Australian open similarly became a pivotal moment in their rivalry only to be matched up by a similar 2017 Melbourne finale which Roger won to end a 5 year hiatus in grand slams. It was his 18th slam. Along the way Roger won every major slam inclusive of the 2009 French Open,his only success in Paris against Robin Soderling.

Roger was at home throughout at Wimbeldon . He won it 8 times,the last of which came in 2017.His last ever grand slam final was also Wimbledon in 2019 -against Novak Djokovic, he was almost home as he had match point at one moment . Djokovic won the final set tie break after the two tied at 12 -12. Roger had a huge rivalry with Novak as well and together with Rafa form the big 3 of GOAT’s in the current and modern era having won 20,21,and 22 slams respectively.

On this Friday night though , they all were on the same side and all three became emotional as they knew an era was coming to an end. Novak was on sidelines as he watched Roger play out his final ever match with long time rival and friend, Rafa.Rafa had made the trip to London for the farewell game alone.It was against Francis Tiafoe and Jack Sock, a doubles specialist. Though the latter won in a closely contested match tiebreak after 1 set all, the whole limelight was on Roger’s swan song.

What followed in the aftermath was an emotional soap opera that can just be described by the viral pictures of Roger in front of his family or him with Rafa together as Ellie Goulding ( There wasn’t any role for her or the songs she sang in any reference to the night , by the way ) took stage.The stage was always Roger’s on this night . Novak and Rafa bot became emotional as it dawned on many ,the golden era of tennis is finally nearing its end.

Apart from the tears shed , in the pre tourney conference ,there were many moments to reflect. He gave a great press conference. There are so many memories of many great moments the fans will cherish.He was one of the greatest sporting entertainers of all times.I hope he wont be a stranger to tennis which according to his statements is reassuring.From the tennis court, Roger, we will miss you and hope that in some capacity, we see you soon. Thank you for the memories.