Following his retirement from aggressive tennis on Friday, Roger Federer is doing his utmost to help his Laver Cup teammates.
That even contains enjoying water boy for Novak Djokovic.
Watch: Roger Federer performs water boy for Novak Djokovic
Retirement message
Roger Federer mentioned: “To my tennis, household and past. Of all the items that tennis has given me over the years, the best, indisputably, has been the folks I’ve met alongside the approach.
“My associates, my rivals, and most of all the followers who give the sport its life. Today, I need to share some information with all of you.
“As a lot of you already know, the previous three years have introduced me with challenges in the type of accidents and surgical procedures. I’ve labored exhausting to return to full aggressive kind. But I additionally know my physique’s capacities and limits, and its message to me these days has been clear. I’m 41 years previous, I’ve performed greater than 1500 matches over 24 years, tennis has handled me extra generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now should recognise when it’s time to finish my aggressive profession.
“The Laver Cup subsequent week in London can be my remaining ATP occasion. I’ll play extra tennis in the future, in fact, however simply not in Grand Slams or on the tour.
“This is a bittersweet choice as a result of I’ll miss all the pieces the tour has given me, however at the similar time, there may be a lot to have fun. I think about myself considered one of the most lucky folks on earth, I used to be given a particular expertise to play tennis, and I did it at a stage that I by no means imagined for for much longer than I ever thought potential.
“I wish to particularly thank my superb spouse Mirka, who has lived by each minute with me. She has warmed me up earlier than finals, watched numerous matches, even whereas over eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy aspect on the highway with my staff for over 20 years. I additionally need to thank my 4 fantastic youngsters for supporting me, all the time wanting to discover new locations, and creating fantastic reminiscences alongside the approach. Seeing my household cheering me on from the stands is a sense I’ll cherish without end.
“I’d additionally wish to thank and recognise my loving mother and father, my pricey sister, with out whom nothing could be potential.
Roger Federe additionally added: “An enormous thanks to all my former coaches who all the time information me in the proper course. You have been fantastic. And to Swiss tennis who believed in me as a younger participant and gave me a perfect begin.
“I actually need to thank and acknowledge my superb staff, Ivan, Danny, Roland, and significantly Seve and Pierre, who’ve given me the finest recommendation and have all the time been there for me. Also Tony, for creatively managing my enterprise for over 17 years. You’re all unimaginable, and I’ve cherished each minute with you. I need to thank my loyal sponsors, who’re actually like companions to me, and the exhausting working groups and tournaments on the ATP Tour who persistently welcomed all of us with kindness, and hospitality.
“I’d additionally wish to thank my rivals on the court docket, I used to be fortunate sufficient to play so many epic matches that I’ll always remember. We battled pretty with ardour and depth, and I all the time tried my finest to respect the historical past of the sport. I really feel extraordinarily grateful. We pushed one another and collectively we took tennis to new ranges.
“Above all, I need to supply a particular thanks to my unbelievable followers, you’ll by no means understand how a lot power and perception you might have given me the inspiring feeling of strolling into full stadiums and arenas has been considered one of the large thrills in my life. Without you these successes would have felt lonely, reasonably than full of pleasure and vitality.
“The final 24 years on tour had been an unimaginable journey. While it typically feels prefer it glided by in 24 hours, it has additionally been so deep and magical that it appears as if I’ve already lived a full lifetime. I’ve had the immense fortune to play in entrance of you in over 40 totally different nations. I’ve laughed and cried, felt pleasure and ache. And most of all, I’ve felt extremely alive. Through my travels, I’ve met many fantastic individuals who will stay associates for life, who persistently took trip of their busy schedules to come back and watch me play and cheer me on round the globe. Thank you.
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Roger Federer concluded: “When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder. And I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day. So I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. Finally, to the game of tennis, I love you and will never leave you.”