Roger Federer retirement: ‘It’s exactly what I hoped for’ – Swiss star on ‘perfect journey’ coming to an end

Updated 25/09/2022 at 18:57 GMT

Roger Federer says his retirement from tennis has happened exactly how he “hoped” after playing his final competitive match. Federer took to the court one last time alongside Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup, narrowly losing out to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in three sets. Nevertheless, it was a night of celebration for the Swiss legend as he said goodbye to tennis.

'I didn't want it to feel lonely out there' - Federer gives emotional interview in farewell

Roger Federer says he has retired exactly how he "hoped", calling his career in tennis a “perfect journey”.

An emotional Federer bowed out from the sport after playing one last doubles match with his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.

It didn’t quite have the fairytale ending as the pair narrowly lost 4-6 7-6(2) 11-9 to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe to the disappointment of the crowd.

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Nevertheless, it was a night of celebration for Federer as the tears flooded seconds after the match ended.

“It’s amazing,” said Federer. “I didn't want it to feel lonely out there.

“It felt lonely for a second when they told me to go out, but to be saying goodbye in a team, I always felt that I was a team player at heart.

“Singles doesn't really do a whole lot but I've had a team that have travelled with me around the world. It's been amazing for them. So thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years.

Watch moving scenes as Federer bids farewell to players and fans at Laver Cup

“Being on this team has been unbelievable, playing all these Laver Cups, and it feels like a celebration.

“I wanted it to feel like this - and it’s exactly what I hoped for, so thank you.”

Federer is regarded one of the greatest sports stars ever, having won 20 Grand Slams and broken several records during his 24-year career.

Along with Nadal and Novak Djokovic, they have taken the sport to new heights, which the Swiss legend says he never thought would happen.

“It was never supposed to be that way,” added Federer as he teared up again. “I was just happy to play tennis and spend time with my friends, really.

“It's been a bit of a perfect journey. I would do it all over again.

“It’s been so much fun, amazing, I’ve had so many people cheer me on, and you guys here tonight means the world.”

Watch Federer's final point in professional tennis in emotional farewell

He paid tribute to his wife, Mirka, revealing she could have stopped him playing “a long, long time ago".

“My wife has been so supportive,” said Federer. “She could have stopped me a long, long time ago, but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play. It’s amazing, thank you.

“Without my mum I wouldn’t be here, of course, so thanks to my parents - you’ve been amazing. There’s so many people to thank, it’s just been incredible.”