It's been two days since Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis after the Laver Cup, and Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas was one who sent a message to the Swiss legend.
The Swiss received tens of thousands of messages, including from his Tour colleagues, including from Tsitsipas, who wrote on social media a very strong emotional message about Federer, who is his idol and will have the opportunity to play with him in London, in his last match.
Federer replied to the Greek tennis player to express his thanks for the good things written about him.
In fact, he jokingly responded to Tsitsipas, saying that he should "Federize" his game.
"Thanks pal. Looking forward to watching you Federize a few", the Swiss said.
The message was in response to Tsitsipas saying:
"He came. We saw. He conquered. We admired.
Thank you @rogerfederer for elevating our sport to an unfathomable extent. For making this sport look so damn effortless, but complicated to emulate at the same time. Your style, personality, talent, finesse and passion will be remembered in the game of tennis forever!
I can’t thank you enough for being the reason I pursued tennis in the first place. The reason I play a one-handed backhand today. The reason I dreamt for the first time watching you lift that Wimbledon trophy in 2004.
To truly "federize" someone you must not only dominate them, but also dominate them with class and style. And that can be found in the Urban Dictionary thanks to you @rogerfederer.
Proud and honoured to be part of “The Last Dance” 🇪🇺 by your side."
Roger Federer announced his upcoming retirement Thursday, saying that next week's Laver Cup will be his final ATP event.
"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form, but I also know my body’s capacities and limits and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years," Federer said. "Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise when it's time to end my competitive career.
"The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the Tour."
The Swiss legend held World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for 310 weeks, second-most since 1973 behind only Novak Djokovic. However, Federer held top spot for a record 237 consecutive weeks from 2 February 2004 until 18 August 2008.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Roger’s impact on tennis, and the legacy he’s built, are impossible to overstate. Over 24 years as a professional, Roger brought millions of adoring fans into the game. He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport.
"He redefined greatness on the court, while his champion spirit, sportsmanship, and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades, inspiring so many to pick up a racquet. Beyond the court, he is and will continue to be a true role model and ambassador, always giving so much of himself to the fans. Roger’s steadfast commitment to the ATP Tour throughout his career, as well as his many years of service on the Player Council, helped drive progress for fellow players and the entire sport. His humanitarian impact has been equally profound through the RF Foundation."
Federer served the sport as president of the ATP Player Council from 2008-14 and later rejoined the council from 2019-22. He was influential in securing significant prize money increases for players. Through the Roger Federer Foundation, the Swiss has assisted almost two million underprivileged children in Africa.
Gaudenzi added: "As we look ahead to Roger’s future endeavours, he will no doubt continue to make a remarkable difference. First, we wish him a memorable final event at the Laver Cup in London, where fans will have an opportunity to give him the send-off he truly deserves. Roger, you will be greatly missed on the Tour. On behalf of everyone at the ATP and the sport of tennis: thank you for everything!”
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