“Didn’t anticipate the emotions from everyone else” Jim Courier opens up on Roger Federer’s farewell that had the entire Big 4 emotional
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Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Roger Federer bid goodbye to professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup and it became a historic spectacle for all sports fans. The Swiss maestro partnered with one of his oldest on-court nemeses Rafael Nadal in the doubles match where they lost to the pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
Following the match, Federer broke down in tears as everyone came ahead to congratulate him for his highly successful tennis career. While Federer’s tears had started rolling down, the entire stadium slowly joined in shedding a tear for the 20-time major winner, including his colleagues as well.
Federer’s final on-court interview was taken by American great Jim Courier and the American did a splendid job. Controlling his own emotions as the entire atmosphere became emotional, Courier was commended for his professionalism during the interview and on a recent episode of the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, he expressed his emotions about the whole ceremony.
“I was ready for it, I knew it was going to be significant. I anticipated a lot of emotion from Roger. What I didn’t anticipate was the emotion from everyone else on the court. I certainly expected the crowd to be emotional when Roger got emotional, because he is emotional. We’ve seen him cry when he wins, when he loses, he gives it, which is great.
“He is such a significant sporting icon that you knew there was going to be an outpouring of emotion in the room. What was unforeseen was the emotion coming from his peer group, especially Rafa, Novak, and Andy, the core group there. Rafa was especially emotional. That was really an amazing energy.
“I kind of appreciate that they were seeing their end in his end, in a way, it’s kind of telling also. It was a real honor to be out there and Roger was and is amazing at those interviews. He set the standard for so many things, including on-court interviews, and he delivered,” said Courier.
Roger Federer’s farewell was the only reason Rafael Nadal played the Laver Cup
The camaraderie of the Big 4 was on display during the tournament. Nadal particularly made the trip to London only for Federer‘s farewell. The Spaniard arrived last, just a day before the matches could begin, and then immediately left to return home to be with his pregnant wife.
While Novak Djokovic hardly breaks down on the court, even he was quite emotional seeing the video montages that paid tribute to one of his biggest rivals. Andy Murray held on their best to control his emotions while he comforted the others, showing the bond the players had created owing to their long careers and battles that they had over the past many years.
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Sarthak Shitole
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