Tennis Honors: Roger Federer

#RForever: ATP, WTA stars salute retiring Roger Federer on social media

From Rafael Nadal to Iga Swiatek, the game's brightest lights paid tribute to the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the wake of his shock retirement announcement.

ByDavid Kane

Published Sep 15, 2022

WATCH: The Break—Federer visits Africa

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The announcement that Roger Federer would play his final ATP match at Laver Cup next week has sent shockwaves across the tennis world, leading to emotional tributes from players, tournaments, and fans alike.

Some of the game's biggest names have already reached out on social media to pay their respects to the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the wake of his forthcoming retirement:

Dear Roger,my friend and rival.
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court 👇🏻
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022

I just want to thank you for everything you've done and everything you are for our sport. It's been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best. 🐐🤗 https://t.co/gJSV5PZO2Y
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) September 15, 2022

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Beyond the on court accomplishments and evolving the sport itself, he falls into an incredibly small group of athletes that have transcended their sport more than others have done before.

Thank you for everything @rogerfederer
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) September 15, 2022

24 years ago. A quite incredible journey, Roger. pic.twitter.com/f4cJmkl0Dh
— ITF (@ITFTennis) September 15, 2022

The biggest idol and inspiration to me and so many others, forever
Thank you for everything ♥️

„Its a beautiful day to go after your dream, Belinda!” - RF
31.7.2021 pic.twitter.com/PRNuwyot8x
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) September 15, 2022

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Roger - you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thank you ❤️@rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/tAGirtB5m4
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) September 15, 2022

Gracias Roger ♥️
Me voy a llorar otro poquito más 🥹 pic.twitter.com/cGPTNcxAt7
— Camila Osorio (@CamiOsorioTenis) September 15, 2022

A role model for me and so many others!! Thanks for everything Roger 🙏🏼 It’s been a privilege to share the court with you!! https://t.co/lMF1zHp8vv
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) September 15, 2022

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Roger,

Where do we begin?

It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.

We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many. pic.twitter.com/VDWylKvW86
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022

(1/2) Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/zxGq4izh1v
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 15, 2022

R O G E R! ♥️ 😢#Federer #RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/zjLaWRem9Z
— Garbiñe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) September 15, 2022

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🥇 2008 doubles gold
🥈 2012 singles silver

📹 @Olympics | #RForever pic.twitter.com/f8gxTF6Ubw
— ITF (@ITFTennis) September 15, 2022

Roger, there was and never will be anyone like you. You crushed me on the court, but were so nice and genuine that I couldn’t hate you for it. You made the game better on and off the court and you will be missed. Good luck, you have earned all the success and joy in the world https://t.co/DwROmZXeJm
— James Blake (@JRBlake) September 15, 2022

Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! 🥲 Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! ❤️ I still want to play with you! 🥹 Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next! 💪🏻 @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/k4xjyN3AAB
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022

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💔. Some of Fed’s numbers are laughably impossible to top (23 straight slam semifinals, for instance) but his impact on tennis far exceeds what he accomplished on court. Thanks for everything, RF 🐐. https://t.co/HiGsPGeikA
— John Isner (@JohnIsner) September 15, 2022

Noooo I’m not ready 😭🥺 https://t.co/rwdYl1HHBT
— Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) September 15, 2022

Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket https://t.co/wjjk1lvd2H
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 15, 2022

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Legend of the game.@rogerfederer 🧡 pic.twitter.com/zztdM9THmc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 15, 2022

.@rogerfederer thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual. Thanks to you competitors and fans across the world get to experience and enjoy it all over the world. Congratulations on your achievements and the people you continue to impact in and away from tennis
— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) September 15, 2022

Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger ….
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 15, 2022

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Greatness defined.

The end of an era.#ThankYouSerena #RForever pic.twitter.com/LKpFqHo3GF
— wta (@WTA) September 15, 2022

The G.O.A.T @rogerfederer
Thanks for everything you have done on and off the tennis court🙏🙏🙏
This beautiful sport of ours will not be the same without you 😥
It was an absolute honour to share court with you a few times #RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/YLabxWOgJj
— Aisam ul Haq Qureshi (@aisamhqureshi) September 15, 2022

You changed the game, #RForever. @rogerfederer ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XIyDzCMTuk
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 15, 2022

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