It certainly would have been inconceivable that Roger Federer’s trophy-laden career would end in defeat, but it did when the 41-year-old Swiss maestro, along with Rafael Nadal, lost out on a touching night at the Laver Cup on Friday.
In front of a crowd of 17,500 at London’s O2 Arena, Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, returned after more than a year for one last dance alongside his great rival in an emotional and memorable finale on the banks of the Tamisa River.
With time past midnight, Federer had a chance for a tag team win when he served on match point in a tense and decisive tiebreak, but Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe spoiled the evening’s script.
Sock landed with a winning forehand to take the Rest of the World 4-6, 7-6, 11-9 victory. After a brief moment of complete silence around the crowded arena, the crowd set out to greet an emotional Federer.
London fans were forced to wait for Federer and Nadal to arrive as British favorites Andy Murray and Alex de Minaur engaged in an endless series of rallies in tonight’s opening match, which de Minaur won.
Murray’s two Wimbledon titles mean he’s a UK sporting icon, but the night was all about Federer – a player staying in the complex of sporting greats alongside Pele, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali.
Federer wrote on Twitter earlier in the day: “I’ve done this a thousand times but this one looks different. Thanks to everyone who came tonight.”
((Translation from the newsroom in São Paulo))
Reuters
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