Roger Federer is back at the Laver Cup, the tournament he co-founded. While enjoying the action in San Francisco, the Swiss Maestro recalled his retirement at this event in 2022.
The 20-time Major winner brought the curtain down on his career at the O2 Arena in London, sharing the court with Rafael Nadal in one of the most emotional nights tennis has ever seen.
Federer admitted that his knee troubles made the retirement decision inevitable. However, he wanted his final steps on a tennis court to feel right and on his terms, as he did not want to be alone there.
🧵 THREAD:
TWO YEARS AGO TODAY – Roger Federer retires, during a doubles match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup🇨🇭🇪🇸
Rafa was the first person outside of his team that Roger told of his retirement 🥹
Nadal replied: “I will be there whatever it takes.” pic.twitter.com/ygnCS93Nbt
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 23, 2024
While considering the US Open or the ATP 500 event in Basel, the Laver Cup in London offered the perfect backdrop. He claimed eight Wimbledon titles in the British capital, and that stage allowed him to bow out alongside his greatest rival and friend.
Choosing not to face the moment alone, Roger's farewell became a symbol of unity and respect, with the players from Team Europe and Team World gathering to make the ceremony even more impressive.
Despite not feeling at his best, Nadal arrived in London to compete alongside his great friend for the last time, offering the crowd a night to remember. Roger and Rafa gathered in tears during the ceremony, as history closed a chapter.
That night is now etched into the sport's memory, reminding everyone why Federer's career was about more than titles – it celebrated grace, connection and the joy of sharing the court with others.
Roger Federer, Laver Cup 2025© Stream screenshot
Three years later, Roger enjoys the action, with younger players taking the scene and extending the growing legacy of the Laver Cup. For each of them, competing in front of the Swiss is the ultimate honor and a lifetime experience.
"It was a process I went through very intensely because I always knew that retirement would be very difficult for me. I love the sport, and everything it entails means a lot to me.
My knee had been bothering me for a while, and I knew I would retire, so I took a break that summer to decide where to retire. I was torn between the US Open, Basel, and the Laver Cup.
I did not want to be alone on the court when I retired, so I chose London because it was where I experienced some of the best moments of my career at Wimbledon," Roger Federer said.
