Nadal, Williams and Mirza Bid Farewell To Roger Federer

Roger Federer announced his retirement yesterday and the entire sports community along with his fans bid the legend a farewell. Federer shared an emotional letter on his social media about his bittersweet decision to retire from his professional tennis career.

Federer started playing tennis right when he was eight and won his first championship at 14. He aced the game and went on to win 20 Grand Slams in his career. Every sports enthusiast has admired Federer for his skill and sportsmanship. The Swiss player is set to return to playing later this month in the Laver Cup. He shared a message on his social media yesterday announcing his retirement from professional tennis making the Laver Cup his last match.

Roger Federer Retires, Internet Bids Farewell

Roger Federer shared an audio message of 4:34mins where he addresses his "tennis family and beyond". He mentions the love and people he met in his career so far and goes on to talk about the injuries and surgeries that he had gone through the last couple of years. He says that these obstacles he faced for his body were a sign for him to acknowledge the limits and capacities of his body and have decided to end his competitive career with the upcoming Laver Cup. He shared the entire message in form of a letter on his post after which the entire internet expressed their love and support for the tennis legend.

Other sports legends also acknowledged and bid Federer a farewell through emotional messages. American tennis player Serena Williams shared a few photos with Federer and wrote, "I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest - perfectly done, just like your career. I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people - including me - and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you @rogerfederer"

Serena Williams and Roger Federer

Indian tennis player Sania Mirza on her Instagram story shared a photo of them together and wrote, "Will tennis ever be the same?" Indian actress Lara Dutta also shared a photo of her with Federer had written, "For me… 🐐 forever!!!! Thank you for the memories @rogerfederer . There will be no one like you!! ♥️" With the emoji of a goat, she meant the abbreviation GOAT which means greatest of all times and that's a feeling which was shared by most yesterday.

Rafael Nadal the famous Spanish tennis player who has rivalled Federer in many matches has teased the latter in his social media post as he said, "I’ll see you in London at the @lavercup" which shows their camaraderie. Nadal has shared photos of the iconic moments the two legends have shared and also addressed Federer in the caption as he bid his farewell. He wrote, "Dear Roger, my friend and rival.

I wish this day would have never come… it’s a sad day for me personally and for sports people around the world. I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London at the @lavercup."

Suggested Reading: Who Is Mirka Federer? As Roger Federer Retires Know More About His Life

Many other celebrities and fans of Federer have shared their messages to bid the legend a farewell from professional tennis. In Federer's message, he reassures that he is not leaving the sports completely, he'll no longer be playing in Grand Slams and on tours.