'It’s been an ideal journey': Roger Federer loses remaining match, ending iconic profession

Roger Federer lost the ultimate match of his tennis profession Friday, ending a profession that spanned 24 years and included 20 Grand Slam titles, alongside his longtime rival and good friend Rafael Nadal.

The 41-year-old Swiss legend concluded his profession within the Laver Cup in London after saying final week that the three-day groups match could be his final. Federer, who competed as a part of Group Europe within the match, pushed his remaining match to a tiebreaker in opposition to Group World duo Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, with a remaining rating of 6-4, 6-7, Sept. 11.

WATCH: CLIMATE CHANGE PROTESTER SETS ARM ON FIRE BEFORE FEDERER'S FINAL MATCH

“We’ll get by this in some way, gained’t we? Proper?” an emotional Federer requested. “It’s been a beautiful day. I informed the fellows I’m pleased, not unhappy. It feels nice to be right here, and I loved tying my sneakers yet another time. Every thing was the final time. ... I needed it to be a celebration. It’s been an ideal journey. I'd do it another time.”

Federer stated he was pleased that he made it by the ultimate match unscathed, claiming he thought he would harm his calf or knee once more, in line with Fox Sports activities. Federer's retirement from the game was partly resulting from an damage to his knee at Wimbledon final yr, which required his third knee surgical procedure in two years.

"As lots of you already know, the previous three years have introduced me with challenges within the type of accidents and surgical procedures. I’ve labored onerous to return to full aggressive kind. However I additionally know my physique’s capacities and limits, and its message to me these days has been clear," Federer stated on social media final week. "I'm 41 years outdated. I've performed greater than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has handled me extra generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I have to acknowledge when it's time to finish my aggressive profession."

Federer, Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have dominated the game for the final 20 years, with Federer reaching the finals in Grand Slam tournaments 31 instances. Federer has additionally gained two Olympic medals, one silver and one gold.

Federer's household, together with his spouse and oldsters, had been on the remaining match Friday evening, which took over 2 1/2 hours.

Federer's retirement comes one month after tennis star Serena Williams introduced she was "evolving" away from the game. Williams, who's 40, stated she could be specializing in different issues, together with motherhood and increasing her household. Williams closed out her profession on the U.S. Open earlier this month after her third-round defeat.