Swiss tennis star Roger Federer hinted that he is likely to make a farewell tour, following playing the last official match of his professional career, on Friday (Saturday morning GMT).
Federer, who has won 20 titles in the four Grand Slam tournaments, played with Spanish star Rafael Nadal in the doubles competitions in the Laver Cup, but he failed to win, and bid farewell to the fans on the field following the match.
The duo, Jack Sock and Francis Tiafoe, of Team World, dominated and beat Federer and Nadal, of Team Europe, 4-6, 7-6, 11-9, but the match remained a celebration for the 41-year-old Federer.
Tears fell from Federer and Nadal’s eyes following the match, which lasted two hours and 14 minutes and was attended by 17,500 fans, as the stands were full.
The loss of Federer and Nadal did not affect the feelings of love that the fans showed to the Swiss star at the end of his professional career.
Federer had announced last week that participating in the doubles competitions in the Laver Cup would be the last of his career, but he kept the door open regarding the possibility of his appearance once more on tennis courts around the world, but outside professional competitions.
Federer said in a press conference held following the match: “I have absolutely no plans on where, how and when (for his possible appearance on the court once more).” All I know is that I’d like to go and play places I’ve never played before, and thank you for years to come to all those who have been so supportive of me.
“The difficult thing regarding the Laver Cup is that the tickets are already all sold out. And you know a lot of people probably wanted to be here and mightn’t.
“Maybe there is another way we can all celebrate together,” he added.
