Sports icons and fans thank retired Roger Federer: ‘I’ve always cared about you’ | Tennis

Serena Williams (40) She welcomed Federer to the “retirement club”, as she calls it. “I’ve always looked at you and liked you,” she wrote on Instagram, along with some pictures of her and Federer, who is a few weeks older than her. “Our ways are very similar. You have inspired countless millions of people – including myself. We will never forget you. I salute you and look forward to everything you do in the future. Welcome to the Pensioners Club. And thank you for being you, Roger Federer.”

Williams and Federer are two icons of a special tennis generation. Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles, and Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles.

The Swiss won eight of the twenty Grand Slam titles on sacred grass Wimbledon. Roger, where do we begin? It was a privilege to witness your journey and to see you become a hero in every sense of the word. We will miss the spectacle of you decorating our stadiums, but all we can do now is to thank you for the memories and joy you have given so many.”

Rafael Nadal has won at least 14 of the 22 Grand Slams he has played Roland GarrosBut in 2009 Federer managed to break the Spaniard’s dominance on clay in Paris. Sports legend.

Nadal himself says he is sad. “I was hoping that day would never come,” said Federer’s Spanish rival.

Former top skater Lindsey Vonn He calls Federer “without a doubt the greatest of all time”. The American hopes her best friend will be ready for the next challenge soon, but perhaps in the snow “I’ll see you on the slopes.”

Countryman and Davis Cup Partner Stanislas Wawrinka He thanked his friend for everything he had done for him: “It was an honor.”

colleague too Petra Kvitova I’ll miss Federer: “Tennis wouldn’t be the same without you,” she says. You have always been a great inspiration to me.”

Colleague and citizen Belinda Bencic Post multiple photos. One from Days Ago when she was a little girl next to Federer, and two more photos, including when the duo won the 2019 Hopman Cup on behalf of Switzerland. “The greatest inspiration to me and many others.”

Former tennis player Andy Roddick cheers for Federer. The American said “Thank you for the shared memories my friend. It was a great honor to stand with you on the sacred grounds of our sport. Please come again…”

Dutchman Tim van Reethoven also honors Federer, saying: “She will always continue to inspire generations of tennis players.”

Gary Lineker He always likes to visit Wimbledon, where he sees Federer playing regularly. Today’s match announcer has nice words for the Swiss. “Watching you while you play has been one of life’s greatest pleasures. It has brought so much joy to so many. Good luck in whatever comes your way.”

Piers Morgan He doesn’t always agree with Lineker, but he clearly agrees with Federer. For me, he is the best and most elegant player of all time. genius. Thanks for all the entertainment.”

Lea and TicFederer, an Arsenal midfielder and captain of the Swiss women’s national team, has long considered Federer a role model. What an exceptional athlete, both on and off the track. You really are a great inspiration to me.”

Quackman bag In addition to being a football analyst for ESPN, he is also a tennis fan. De Volendammer sheds a tear at Federer’s farewell.

Spanish tennis star Garbin Muguruza She also sheds a tear, but also shares a sweet photo of herself with Federer.

Carlos Alcarazzo, after winning the New York No. 1 world number one, only shares a broken heart. The 19-year-old Spaniard would have loved to play against Federer again.

Federer’s farewell comes too soon after Serena Williams, although the 40-year-old already hinted this week at a comeback in Tom Brady style.

“You changed sports forever,” this is a short but brief text ATP . round.

The laver cup In London his last tournament will be next week. “Thank you for being an inexhaustible source of inspiration.”

Roger was very important to the tournament in many ways, but more than that to tennis in general Richard Krajicek on the ABN Amro Championship website, which is directed by. , when he got his first wildcard when he was 17, my predecessor Wim Buetendijk knew he was an amazing talent. But no one could have imagined that he would grow into the icon that he is today. We are very proud of the fact that he will remain in our tournament forever because of the extraordinary successes he has had here.” Federer won the tournament in Rotterdam three times.