Exclusive: Tommy Haas amazed by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal bond at Laver Cup - 'Rafa could've been a father any day'
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Published 15/12/2022 at 11:21 GMT
Roger Federer's very emotional farewell from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup in London made a huge impact on the sport and beyond. Former player Tommy Haas, who is good friends with the Swiss legend, has told Eurosport Germany all about his emotions on the night at the O2 Arena and the special bond between Federer and Rafael Nadal, which was demonstrated once more.
'A crazy week' - A look back at Federer's emotional farewell at Laver Cup
Former tennis star Tommy Haas has told Eurosport of his emotions after his good friend Roger Federer bowed out from the sport in an unforgettable Laver Cup send-off in London.
Federer played alongside his great friend and rival, Rafael Nadal, in a very special doubles rubber against Team World at the annual event as a unique way to say goodbye to professional tennis and the sporting world he had been such a huge part of for so long.
Haas was adamant that he must be at the O2 Arena to see Federer bid his farewell to tennis, and the former world No. 2 has reflected on what was a very emotional and powerful night for him, the players and the fans who were present.
"I knew beforehand that he would say goodbye there at the Laver Cup," Haas told Eurosport Germany's tennis podcast Das Gelbe vom Ball.
"It was important for me to be there. I've never been to the Laver Cup before. It was a great atmosphere in the O2 Arena. It was very emotional, almost too emotional.
"Roger is an incredible guy, on and off the court - as a friend, as a father, as a man. You always have fun with him. He has a great outlook on life and it's wonderful to spend time with people like him.
"Roger is in the same situation now as I was back then: you are no longer on the tour. But when we both play table tennis, we have fun, we have the ambition to win.
"You can talk about Roger's career for a long time. It's unbelievable what he achieved, how long and consistently. He played tennis as if he was from another planet, that was the time from 2004 to 2006."
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'I hope I didn't make the team lose!' - Federer jokes in speech after Laver Cup
Haas also paid tribute to Nadal, who ensured that he was there to partner his great friend on his big night, even though he was expecting a child back home at any point. He flew back to Mallorca after the match and Haas said it was a wonderful statement.
Nadal and Federer's doubles match was on September 23 and Nadal's baby was born in early October.
"Unbelievably, many emotions," said Haas. "If you are an insider, you know that Rafa and Roger get along well. Rafa could have been a father any day in London at that time and he was still there.
"Roger is so incredibly popular. You become a fan of the guy relatively quickly. You could feel that. There was no one among the 18,000-19,000 in the O2 Arena who didn't have tears in their eyes. The farewell couldn't have been better."
While Federer is now happily retired, Nadal's illustrious career continues and he will be aiming to extend his record tally of 22 Grand Slam singles titles as he seeks to defend his Australian Open title in January.
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