We liked it. Then he leaves. All it took was a winning forehand from Jack Sock, and Roger Federer’s career was over. Even though he lost his last match, everyone won. Then the tears flowed.

As tomorrow always comes a little too quickly, Federer’s 24-year career came to an end on Friday in the Laver Cup in London after losing 6-4, 6-7 and 9-11 in a doubles match with Rafael Nadal, against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

Ultimately, in the context, the result has something anecdotal about it. The outcome of the match doesn’t really matter. Federer had made an appointment with the fans for one last time, and like a goodbye that goes a little too well, no one was disappointed.

A memorable evening

Even though he hadn’t played for a year and a half and his left knee remains extremely fragile, Federer wanted to end his career in the tournament he created in 2017.

It was the day R. That of the retirement of the great Roger. “I’m happy, I’m not sad,” he said to reassure the spectators after his meeting.

The match started to thunderous applause, and although there were four warriors on the pitch, everyone was only looking for the 41-year-old Swiss. Even Novak Djokovic couldn’t help but take out his smartphone to film the appearance of the man he had faced fifty times before his last act. As if he had become a simple tennis fan again.

However, it was with Nadal that Federer decided to share the field. Rivals become friends. Opponents become legendary.

“Fedal”. Like a feat of arms or the most important chapter in the history of this sport.

At the start of the match, while Federer, relaxed as usual, seemed in perfect control, it was Nadal who seemed to take this short-lived confrontation the most to heart. As if he wanted at all costs that the career of his sidekick ends on a good note.

On a completely black ground, like a painting on the wall of a class, the duo was ready to write the last page of their common history.

As in his golden years, Federer executed masterful strokes as only he has the secret. Even if his body no longer follows and his mythical footwork is no longer as well tuned, he and his partner took the first set.

The crowd, obviously on the side of the European team, was filled. Breathtaking exchanges, especially at the net, and spectacular plays marked the second set, which ended in favor of the Sock-Tiafoe duo.

In the final round, in the super decisive game, Federer drew from the depths of his being to siphon off what was left of the magic. Ace, volley winner, flyback and waltz backhand gave Fedal match point, but it wasn’t enough.

The World team pair won, ending the career of the most popular player of all time.

It was from that moment that everyone cracked up.

An emotional ending

As soon as Federer turned around after shaking hands with the official, he started crying. He was inconsolable. It is also this assumed vulnerability that made him endearing and allowed the Swiss to reach so many people.

Usually, great champions don’t let their emotions get the better of them. However, it is because he is able to express them that Federer has become one in people’s hearts. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I just wanted to play tennis and hang out with my friends. And I ended up here. If it were to start over, I wouldn’t change anything, ”he said in a trembling voice, choked with emotion.

He hugged his teammates and opponents, which made everyone teary-eyed. Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipás, Andy Murray. “I didn’t want to be alone. […] I wanted to say goodbye as a team, because I feel that deep in my heart I have always been a team player. »

However, it was Nadal who looked the most affected. Sitting in the back of his bench, he shed torrents of tears. After all, he and Federer are intimately linked, as they have been through so much together. With the departure of Federer, it is undoubtedly a part of him which leaves at the same time.

A standing ovation of almost ten minutes allowed the star of the day to greet everyone. To thank the spectators and to drink, for the last time, all the love of a crowd that would have liked it to last an eternity.

Federer, a unifier, delivered a speech charged with emotion and full of sincerity after the meeting. A message interspersed with applause and tears.

Speech during which he thanked the amateurs, the players, but especially his wife, his four children and his parents.

He pointed out that it was his partner, Mirka, who pushed him to continue a few years ago when he wanted to quit. “She encouraged me and allowed me to play. It’s fantastic, ”he said, looking at his wife, whose face showed immense pride, despite the pain.

Several games and a few injuries later, Federer ended his career with electronic banners that displayed, due to the defeat, “Team World Victory [Team World Win] “. A defeat that speaks true, because Friday night and for 24 years, everyone has won thanks to Roger Federer.