“I wasn’t even sure I could play,” Roger Federer reveals how anxious he was before the emotional farewell night
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Tennis great Roger Federer entertained and enthralled fans all around the world for more than two decades. He dominated the sport like no one ever could before him. Despite retiring from professional tennis, he is the most loved tennis player and perhaps the most loved sportsperson in the world. Hence, when he announced his retirement, everyone got extremely emotional including one of his great on-court rivals, Rafael Nadal.
The Swiss legend for more than a year has been out of action. He had not played a single match before his stint at Laver Cup 2022 in September in London. So, he prepared himself for every situation that may come on the ultimate night when the world saw the 20-time Grand Slam champion for the last time in action.
During the sports awards ceremony, Federer reminisced about all the planning and preparations that he did for the emotional night.
“ In fact, with my agent Tony Godsick, we had planned a plan B if ever I had not been able to say a word. I must say that I was a little anxious before everything fell into place. At first, a few weeks before, I wasn’t even sure I could play so I thought I was going to have to show up in a suit and tie. Then I knew I could do a double and that relaxed me a bit. On the day, despite the tears and the emotions, I managed to say a few words, so it was great, and I think that in the end, I fought well (laughs),” he said.
Iconic tennis doubles pair, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe was perhaps the most memorable night in the history of the sport. The Swiss legend also reflected upon his journey after the match and thanked everyone who had been part of this special moment.
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Roger Federer reveals his emotional phone call to Rafael Nadal
When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal walked onto the court to play their doubles match for Team Europe against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock, at Laver Cup 2022, everybody was emotional. The crowd cheered for the legends loudly. Everybody knew that it was the last time when they would see Roger Federer in action.
The enormity of the moment can be comprehended from the phone call Roger Federer made to Rafael Nadal before his last match. The Swiss legend was featured as a guest in Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show. Here, he revealed how he convinced Rafael Nadal to come to London and become his doubles partner.
“I had to call him and tell him, hey Rafa (Nadal), just before we make any other plans, I would love you to be at the Laver Cup and play maybe one last double with me. It would be amazing for because unfortunately, my knee is not so good anymore and I think it’s the end. He’s like ‘oh yeah, oh my god, I’ll be there, whatever it takes.’” The 20-time Grand Slam champion said.
Rafael Nadal kept his promise even though his wife was about to give birth to his son. He even attended Roger Federer’s farewell ceremony before taking the flight home.
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