Google News Andy Roddick on Roger Federer: "Elegant to the last"
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Andy Roddick paid tribute to his friend and former rival Roger Federer. Roddick told: "Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have a very similar relationship to that between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. When he realized he could no longer continue, Roger wanted to close with his biggest rivals.
Federer improved Djokovic, Novak improved Nadal, Rafa improved Roger. They have made each other more complete players." The American has always gotten along well with the Maestro: "Congratulations to Roger for his fantastic career.
Even during the evening dedicated to him, he showed the whole class about him. He wanted all members of Team Europe to bow with him. On a personal level, I am proud to have faced him in the most important tournaments. He has beaten me many times, but he has always been elegant in both victory and defeat.
He treated me with the greatest respect on every occasion."
Roger's last career match
On Friday night, Roger Federer played his last professional match. The former world number 1 said goodbye to tennis by sharing the court with his great friend and rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup, losing to Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
It was a memorable evening, which marked the end of an era. The 20-time Grand Slam champion couldn't hold back his tears, after thanking everyone who helped make him one of the greatest athletes ever. Many of his colleagues were visibly moved, including Nadal.
It was not an easy decision for the King, who realized he could no longer compete at the highest level due to knee problems. The Swiss worked hard to get back in shape, but the signals his body sent him prompted him to end his career.
However, the 41-year-old from Basel has promised that he will not stray from the sport that has made him a global icon.