“A genius”, “tennis will never be the same”… The world of sport pays tribute to Roger Federer

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The news had the effect of a small bomb. Roger Federer will therefore no longer play tennis after the next Laver Cup in London (23-25 ​​September). The man with 103 titles on the circuit announced it himself via an audio message on social networks on Thursday. While many admirers of the Swiss have expressed their sadness, personalities from the world of sport and tennis have quickly hailed the immense and brilliant career of the person concerned, expressing their deep emotion. Selected pieces.

Carlos Alcaraz (current world number 1 and winner of the US Open): “Roger was one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you. I wish you all the best for the future.”

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Toni Nadal (uncle and ex-coach of his biggest rival on RMC): “I am very sad. For tennis lovers, it’s a bad day. It was the perfect combination of efficiency and class. He was more elegant than Michael Jordan or Lionel Messi. I had great admiration for his game. I knew he had problems with his knee. Seeing Federer stop is news you never want to hear. Rafa would never have been so strong without him, he was forced to raise his level. The other day, I watched one more of his matches: it was at the 2009 Australian Open against Del Potro. I don’t think we’ve ever played better tennis than that. He was a genius.”

Andy Roddick (titled at the US Open 2003 and ex-world number 1): “Hi Roger. Thank you for the memories shared my friend. It was an honor to share time and experiences on the most hallowed grounds of our sport. Give me the news. It’s time to start training for Wimby (he lost three Wimbledon finals against Federer, editor’s note). I’m obviously kidding.”

Thomas Bach (IOC President, on Twitter): “Roger Federer is a gentleman on and off the court, and a true Olympic champion. Congratulations on your outstanding career, good luck for the future. I hope our paths can cross again.”

The ATP Tour: “You changed tennis”#Rforever”

Juan Martin Del Potro: “I love you, Roger. Thank you for everything you have done for tennis and for me. Tennis will never be the same without you.”

Hubert Hurkacz (his ultimate opponent in a Grand Slam tournament, in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2021, on Twitter): “It has been an honor to know the way you have played all these years and to share a court with you, Roger Federer. You have been a role model for me and for so many others. Congratulations on your legendary career and good luck for the after.”

The organization of Wimbledon (where he holds the record of titles, 8): “Roger, where to start? It has been a privilege to witness your career and see you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will miss your grace on the courts, but all we can say at this time is thank you for the memories and the joy you have given so many people.“

Iga Swiatek (number 1 in the WTA rankings, on Twitter): “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you mean to our sport. It was a privilege to witness your career. I wish you the best.”

Richard Gasquet (at The Team): “It’s a big shock, he’s a legend of the game. It’s a big loss for tennis. It will be different afterwards. With his charisma, his technique. There is only one Roger Federer. When you watch it, you simply don’t let go of the TV. The technicality, the elegance, the one-handed backhand, the forward forehand, the ease he exudes… When you look at it, you wonder how he could have done this shot. Federer is tennis. Nadal, Djokovic, it’s extraordinary too, but it’s not the same.”

Gael Monfils (on Twitter): “Playing at the same time as you was a pleasure and a privilege.”

Rod Laver: “Thanks for everything Roger. Goodbye.”

Billie Jean King:Roger Federer is the champion of champions. He is the most complete game of his generation and has captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with fantastic court speed and exceptional tennis IQ. He had a historic career whose memories will live on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We wish you the best for the future.”

Martina Navratilova:What a sincere message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played this game we love so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your magic!!!“

Garbine Muguruza, champion at Wimbledon in 2017 and at Roland-Garros in 2016:

Milos Raonic, finalist at Wimbledon in 2016: “Roger Federer, thank you for doing more for tennis than anyone. Thanks to you, competitors and fans around the world have enjoyed this unique experience. Congratulations on your accomplishments to continue to influence so many people in tennis and beyond..”

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