Roger Federer’s farewell: Swiss ends magnificent career in emotional night at Laver Cup

Thank you, just thank you. This must, probably, have been the feeling of all those who in one way or another followed this memorable day of Friday, September 23, 2022, which will forever be preserved in history. Sure, it is Roger Federer has officially put an end to his wonderful career as a professional. 24 years of an unforgettable journey, full of glory and leaving an unrepeatable legacy that had last dance in this Laver Cup 2022.

The night in London had everything: nostalgia, smiles, tears and tennis, that sport that Federer revolutionized. The farewell was with his eternal rival and friend Rafael Nadaland the result, anecdotal: a 4-6, 7-6 (2) and 11-9 loss to Americans Jack Shock and Francis Tiafoe, a result that leaves the score at 2-2 after the first day of this exhibition tournament.

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Of course, everything revolved around Roger, and the picture at the end was really impressive, with a broken Federer, between tears and smiles as he hugged the rest of the protagonists. With videos recalling the great memories of the past, with Nadal himself is crying while experiencing the farewell to the Swiss.

“It was a fantastic day. I’m not sad, I’m happy. I enjoyed playing one last time, I’m happy to finish it in front of family, friends, fans. Playing with Rafa in the same team and being here with so many legends. It’s just thanks”. Roger pointed out in the post-race mid-track interview, in a speech that included many thanks and saw him break down several times.

“It was an amazing trip. Thank you all”, shut out Federer before the final round of applause. Again: thank you, sir.

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How the doubles of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal vs. Jack Shock and Frances Tiafoe?

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This was the double of Federer and Nadal at the Laver Cup, live and direct

Victory for Shock and Tiafoe in Federer’s farewell!

And it was a triumph for Roger and Rafa in the Swiss farewell. The Europeans took a quick 3-0 lead in the shootout with a relentless Nadal at the net, but it was short-lived as the Americans responded in kind for 3-3.

The match gained in intensity, drama and quality and there were some pretty good flashes: a great reaction from Sock to win a point that looked lost, a good volley from Rafa at a long point, an ace from Roger, a fantastic cross volley from RF to stop Tiafoe and get a temporary draw at 7-7, big comeback from the Swiss for 8-8… Yes, pure parity and excitement.

The first match point came for federal after forcing Tiafoe’s mistake, but Francis himself slotted beautifully into the net to equalize after Rodger flicked a ball into the back of the net. And Tiafoe then won match point after a furious return winner with an unstoppable move. The set came with a forehand winner from Sock that crashed over the line.

Set for Sock and Tiafoe in the tie-break

Great production of the Americans in the definition: they imposed conditions and always took the initiative on the way to 7-2 that evens things up. Federer and Nadal look tired, but now the match is set to match tie-break (up to 10 points).

6-5 after saving five break points

The 11th game was survival for Nadal with his serve: started 0-40 and faced five break points. Eventually the Europeans took the match forward to be one step away from victory.

Federer and Rafa are recovering

The Europeans draw 3-3: Had two more chances to break serve after Tiafoe double-faulted, then clinched the send-off with an error from the US Open semi-finalist at the net.

First break for Sock and Tiafoe

The Americans strike first in the second set, taking Rafa’s serve to go up 2-1.

Set for Roger and Rafa!

After saving himself, the impact came, as great ones usually do. Rafa and Roger created the opportunity to take Tiafoe’s serve and did not escape: Federer blocked with a good open return and then played a powerful drive which Shock was unable to contain with his volley. 6-4 for the Europeans.

“Fedal” and an excellent way out of problems

First scare for the couple of the former No1. The Americans had a chance to break serve, but the European hierarchy emerged: two great serves from Rafa, including the first to save a break that Roger saved with a smash. and later a good volley from the Swiss to make it 5-4.

RF, compact and curious

So far, smooth process on the way to 3-2 individual. Roger had a streak on his serve where he was absolutely solid, with some very good open serves. In addition, he showed good reflexes and the quality of panda in the net.

Speaking of the net, see where the Swiss hit a ball.

All set for Roger’s farewell

The presentation and warm-up are over. Federer and Nadal, ready for a match that will be remembered by everyone.

Federer and Nadal calmly await their match

Welcome to The O2 Arena in London, where Roger Federer will make his last official presentation in tennis. It will be a doubleheader with Rafael Nadal, his most historic rival, representing the European team vs. Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, the American couple from the Rest of the World team.

currently, Europe wins 2-1 in Laver Cup 2022: Casper Rudd won 6-4, 5-7 and 10-7 against Jack Shock in a match closer than expected and Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated 6-2 and 6-1 to Diego Schwarzmanwhile then Alex De Minaur defeated 5-7, 6-3 and 10-7 to Andy Murray. After this final match, which lasted two and a half hours, the Federer/Nadal vs. Stocking/Tiafoe.