Roger Federer played the last match of his remarkable career at the 2022 Laver Cup, joining forces with his historic rival Rafael Nadal. The two faced Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock at the O2 Arena in London, before fans paid a splendid tribute to the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
The 41-year-old Swiss tried hard to get back in shape, but in the summer he realized he could no longer compete at the top level. Through a letter posted on Instagram on September 15, the former ATP number 1 announced to the world his decision to retire.
The King had tried a timid return last year, playing just 13 official matches and undergoing yet another knee operation after Wimbledon. The Basel legend has reassured fans that he will not walk away from the sport that made him a global icon.
In fact, there are rumors that Roger could join the BBC commentary team at the next edition of Wimbledon. Speaking to Eurosport, Arnaud Clement addressed the issue of doping in tennis. During the conversation, the former French player let out a funny joke about Federer.
Clement jokes about Federer
Eurosport had the brilliant idea of raising the subject of doping in tennis by interviewing Arnaud Clément. The “Key” returns to the recent remarks of Roger Federer who explained the constraint linked to the fact of having the reflex each time to give his location.
The Swiss considered it heavy, especially since it was necessary to constantly have this reflex when the life of a tennis champion is punctuated by travel to the four corners of the globe. On this specific point, Arnaud therefore humorously contradicted the Swiss: “Federer is nice but his location for the doping controls was simpler than for the others since he gave his position on arrival and nine times out of ten it was the same a week later because he was in the final.
However, for the one who lost rather and who left for another tournament, it was not the same thing.” Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s emotional moment at this year’s Laver Cup is the image of the year in tennis as far as journalist Brett Haber is concerned.
“I believe that the image of the year in tennis, and there have been a lot of them this year, is the shot of Roger and Rafa holding hands on the Team Europe bench as the ceremonies are unfolding to honor Roger after they lost the doubles match,” Haber said.
“If that didn’t put a tear in your eye as a tennis fan, sports fan, Roger fan, or Rafa fan… I know sometimes the fan bases, if you’re a Roger fan, you can’t be a Rafa fan and vice versa.”
