The name ROGER FEDERER is synonymous with anyone who is interested in Sports. He is indeed one of the best Tennis players of our times. He is an inspiration and a role model to many. While he is at his competitive best on the tennis court, yet a complete gentleman off the court! He announced his retirement on 15th September 2022 from all Grand Slams and tours. The Laver Cup from 23rd September 2022 to 25th September 2022 will be his last competitive tournament. I prefer to call this event as – End of ‘FEDERER ERA!’
He was a star on his own. People would go places to watch this man play on courts. Whether he won or lost, grace was always a part of him. He was a picture of calmness, composure, and cool head. So many people across the world would play professional tennis to become like Roger Federer! Many others played tennis for exercise or fun looking at this champion.
Roger is a complete family man. He is married to former Women’s Tennis Association player Miroslava Federer (née Vavrinec), Usually called Mirka, she retired from the tour in 2002 because of a foot injury. They were married at Wenkenhof Villa in Riehen near Basel on 11 April 2009, surrounded by a small group of close friends and family. In 2009, she gave birth to identical twin girls. They had another pair of twins in 2014, this time fraternal twin boys
For the professional records – Roger Federer was born on 8th August 1981 in Switzerland. He was ranked world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. He has won 103 ATP singles titles, the second most of all time, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era record-tying five men’s singles US Open titles, and a record six year-end championships. (source – Wikipedia)
Millions of tribute have flown in for the superstar of Tennis –
Rafael Nadal wrote, “Dear Roger,my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court”
“Roger it’s hard to see this day and put into words all that we’ve shared in this sport together. Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to think back on. Your career has set the tone for what it means to achieve excellence and lead with integrity and poise. It’s an honour to know you on and off court, and for many more years to come,” wrote Novak Djokovic.
Billie Jean King, a fellow former world No 1 wrote, “Roger Federer is a champion’s champion,” she wrote on Twitter. “He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on.”
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova thanked the 41-year-old for his contributions to tennis, “Roger – you have always been such a huge inspiration to me,” she tweeted. “Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thank you.”
Andy Roddick knew more than most just how lethal a player Federer could be – the American lost to him in four grand slam finals, including an epic encounter at Wimbledon in 2009, “Cheers 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 …”
ATP official post read, “ You changed the game, #Rforever
The Olympic Games wrote, “An outstanding career comes to an end. Thank you for all the memories Roger Federer! You will be missed!”
Milos Raonic tweeted, “Roger Federer thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual. Thanks to your competitors and fans across the world get to experience and enjoy it all over the world. Congratulations on your achievements and the people you continue to impact in and away from tennis.”
“What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude,” said Martina Navratilova. “Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!!”
Footballer Lionel Messi wrote, “A genius, unique in the history of tennis and an example for any athlete. All the best in your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the court making us enjoy.”
Bill Gates tweeted, “You’ve been an incredible friend to me and an inspiration to an entire generation of tennis players. I’m lucky to have seen you work your magic on the court many times. And I’m excited to watch your philanthropic work grow in this next phase of your life”
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar expressed, “What a career Roger Federer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories”
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma mentioned, “End of an era! Congratulations Roger Federer on making so many fall in love with the sport and a truly remarkable career.”
If you would like to listen to his retirement speech, here is the link – Roger Federer retirement speech
If you would like to read his retirement speech, here is the link – Roger Federer retirement announcement
From the above it is very clear he was loved by one and all. For the gem of a person he is, this is no surprise. We know that everything must come to an end. But there are somethings, which you wish never end. His career was one such thing …..
P.S.-
There have been some amazing moments during Roger Federer career on and off the field. I will post videos of those few selected moments in the next blog – End of ‘FEDERER ERA!’ – PART 2
#RogerFederer RForever #Tennis #RoleModel #Inspiration
Sources:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Federer#Personal_life
https://www.atptour.com/en/news/gates-messi-tendulkar-celebrity-federer-retirement-tributes
Nice compilation.
Thank You