Federer’s rivalry with Rafael Nadal has been a defining part of tennis this century and the Spaniard expressed his regret that they will not meet again in a grand slam final. Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day had never come. It is a sad day for me personally and for sport around the world. It was a pleasure but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the field 👇🏻 — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022 “Dear Roger, my friend and rival,” he tweeted. “I wish this day had never come. It is a sad day for me personally and for sport around the world. It has been a pleasure but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.” (1/2) Champion of champions Roger Federer. He has the most complete game of his generation and won the hearts of fans around the world with an amazing speed on the court and a strong tennis mind. He had a storied career with memories that will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/zxGq4izh1v — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 15, 2022 Billie Jean King, former world No. 1, was among the first to pay tribute to the Swiss player. “Roger Federer is a champion of champions,” he tweeted. “He has the most complete game of his generation and won the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing speed on the court and a strong tennis mind. He had a storied career with memories that will live on and on.” Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova thanked the 41-year-old for his contribution to tennis. Roger – you have always been a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always appreciated you and want to congratulate you on an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thank you ❤️@rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/tAGirtB5m4 — Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) September 15, 2022 “Roger – you have always been a huge inspiration to me,” he tweeted. “Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always appreciated you and want to congratulate you on an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thanks.” Andy Roddick knew more than most how deadly a player Federer could be – the American lost to him in four grand slam finals, including an epic showdown at Wimbledon in 2009. “Luckily Roger,” he tweeted. “Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger…” The French and US Opens, as well as the ATP and WTA Tours, published tributes to Federer. But it is Wimbledon, won a record eight times, with which he is perhaps most often associated. The tournament posted a photo of Federer in front of the Center crowd along with a glowing caption: “Where do we begin? It has been a privilege to follow your journey and watch you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will greatly miss the sight of you gracing our pitches, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.” Federer’s ability was such that he was admired by athletes from other sports. He is particularly popular in India and cricketer Dinesh Karthik paid his own tribute. “Take a bow Legend!” he tweeted to his 2 million followers, along with a photo of Federer. Federer was also an Olympic champion, winning the men’s doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games with Stan Wawrinka (and winning singles silver in 2012). The official Olympics account tweeted his praise. “A great career comes to an end Thanks for all the memories Roger Federer! We will miss you!” the message read.
