The flood of praise and admiration following the announcement of Roger Federer’s retirement is a testament to the Swiss tennis star’s remarkable influence and legacy in the world of tennis, sport and beyond.
Where Federer’s on-pitch achievements rank among the all-time greats in men’s football – despite undoubtedly being in the top three – will be up for debate, but there is no question that he is the most transcendent tennis player to ever pick up a racquet .
No one else in sport has garnered the worldwide admiration, endorsements, or icon like Federer.
Twenty-two-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, whose career-long rivalry with Federer has spawned some of the most memorable matches in the history of the sport, called it an “honor and privilege” to compete against him.
“Dear Roger, my friend and rival”, Nadal wrote. “I wish that day had never come…it’s a sad day for me personally and for athletes around the world. I told you when we spoke, and now it’s here.
“It has been my pleasure but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you and to experience so many amazing moments on and off the pitch. We will share many more moments together in the future, there are still many things to do together, we know that.
“Right now I really wish you all the happiness with your wife Mirka, your children, your family and enjoy what lies ahead. See you in London at the Laver Cup.”
20-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, who recently announced her own retirement from tennis, welcomed Federer to the ‘retirement club’.
“I wanted to find the perfect way to say how you so eloquently put this game to rest – done perfectly, just like your career,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so similar. You have inspired untold millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget them.
“I salute you and look forward to all you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you.”
Federer’s success at Wimbledon, winning the All England Club title eight times, made him synonymous with the green grass of Center Court. He last lifted the trophy there in 2017, 13 years after his first Wimbledon win.
“Roger, where do we start?” wrote the official site of the tournament. “It has been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
“We will miss the sight of you gracing our dishes so much, but all we can say right now is thank you for the memories and the joy you have brought to so many.”
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady said in a news conference on Thursday: “Phenomenal, great player, you know, he’s just a great competitor and you know… he’s had a great run, he’s been great, always respectful of everyone and meant a lot.”
Tennis pioneer and Hall of Famer Billie Jean King wrote on Twitter: “Roger Federer is the champion of a champion. He has the most complete game of his generation and won the hearts of sports fans around the world with amazing speed on the court and a strong tennis mind. He had a historic career with memories that will live on and on.
“Congratulations @rogerfederer. We wish you all the best for your future journey.”
The current No. 1 in the women’s world and three-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek added: “I just want to thank you for everything you have done and everything you are for our sport. It has been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best.”
Two-time NBA Champion and six-time All-Star Pau Gasol said: “Thank you for inspiring us and for setting a great example for us all.”
In a statement released on the Official Olympics Twitter PageInternational Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said: “@RogerFederer is a gentleman on and off the pitch – and a true Olympic champion. Congratulations Roger on his outstanding career, good luck for the future. Hopefully our paths will cross again.”