“Genius”, “Tennis will never be the same” … The sports world pays tribute to Roger Federer

The news had the effect of a little bombshell. So Roger Federer will not be playing tennis after the upcoming Laver Cup in London (September 23-25). The man with 103 ring titles announced himself via an audio message on social media on Thursday. While many Swiss fans expressed their grief, figures from the world of sports and tennis quickly praised the phenomenal and brilliant career of the person in question, expressing their deep feelings. Selected pieces.

Carlos Alcaraz (currently number one in the world and US Open winner): “Roger was one of my idols and my inspiration! Thank you for everything you’ve done for our sport! I still want to play with you. I wish you all the best in the future. “

Toni Nadal (Uncle and former coach of his biggest rival in RMC): “I’m so sad. For tennis lovers, it’s a bad day. It was the perfect blend of efficiency and sophistication. He was more elegant than Michael Jordan or Lionel Messi. I was very impressed with his game, and I knew he had problems with his knee. Seeing Federer stop is news you never want to hear. Rafa wasn’t strong without him, he had to raise his level. That day, I watched another one of his matches: it was at the 2009 Australian Open against Del Potro. I don’t think we played tennis better than that. He was a genius. “

Andy Roddick (nicknamed the 2003 US Open and former world number one): “Hello Roger. Thanks for the memories my friend shared. It has been an honor to share time and experiences on the most sacred stadiums in our sport. Give me the news. Time to start training with Wimbe (he lost three Wimbledon finals to Federer, editor’s note). I’m obviously kidding. “

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

ATP Tour: “You’ve changed tennis” #Rforever”

Juan Martin del Potro: “I love you Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done for tennis and for me. Tennis wouldn’t be the same without you. “

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

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

Iga Swiatek (#1 in the WTA rating, on Twitter): “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and what you mean to our sport. It has been an honor for me to witness your career. I wish you the best. “

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (in the team): “He raised our sport. Whatever happens, he is the “goat”. Rafa and Djoku, if they are so strong, it is also thanks to him. pull others. “

Gael Monfils (on Twitter): “Playing at the same time as my pleasure and privilege. “

Rod Laver:Thanks for everything Roger. See you soon. “

Billie Jean King:Roger Federer is the champion of champions. It is the most complete game of its generation and has captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with its superb speed on the court and exceptional tennis intelligence. He had a historical career whose memories will live on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We wish you the best in the future. “

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

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

Milos Raonic, 2016 Wimbledon finalist: “Roger Federer, Thank you for putting in more effort in tennis than anyone else. Thank you, competitors and fans around the world enjoyed this unique experience. Congratulations on your accomplishments for continuing to influence so many people in tennis and beyond.. “

More information to follow…