Laver Cup Rewind: Roger Federer plays his last match, alongside Rafael Nadal

We're counting down the days to the Laver Cup in San Francisco—starting Friday, September 19—by looking back at memorable moments from competitions past. And there may be no moment more significant than in 2022, when Roger Federer played professionally for the final time.

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With his longtime "Big Four" rivals in the building, Federer bid farewell to the sport he singulary transformed in doubles. One of those rivals, Rafael Nadal, was his partner, while Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (who would later play his last match in doubles) teammates on Team Europe.

Having not played on tour since Wimbledon the previous summer due to a knee injury, the extent of Federer's participation in this London edition of Laver Cup was unclear. But even in just one Day 1 doubles match, it was a fitting Federer farewell.

“I’m happy I made it through,” he said afterwards.

He nearly made it through as a winner, having match point on his serve against Team World's U.S. duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Federer and Nadal won the first set, 6-4, and dropped the second in a tiebreaker before playing a 10-point tiebreak to decide matters.

Trailing 6-7, Federer intercepted Sock's attempted pass down the line and left Tiafoe flailing at net with a winning volley. It was a reminder of times past, and everyone—from Roger and Rafa to the capacity crowd—exploded at the thought of victory.

Everyone except Tiafoe and Sock, that is. Playing the role of spoilers impeccably, the Americans didn't succumb to the moment. So much so that on the very next point, Tiafoe's hit Federer in the front court with a forehand.

The crowd booed lustily, but always the good sport, the Swiss raised his racquet to let his legions of supportes know it was a perfectly legal play.

In a possible moment of karma, Tiafoe followed with two errors on his serve, giving the fan favorites and living legends match point. Djokovic raised his arms in support as everyone in the O2 Arena rose to their feet.

But the next three points went back to the Americans, as Federer's career came to a close.

“It’s been a wonderful day,” a teary-eyed Federer said in his on-court interview after his 1,750th combined match in singles and doubles. He never retired from a match once, but it was finally time for him to retire from the game.

“I told the guys I’m happy, I’m not sad. It feels great to be here. I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time—everything was the last time.”

📲 🖥️ Watch the 2025 Laver Cup beginning Friday, September 19, on the Tennis Channel app

Laver Cup Rewind

👉 Friday, September 12: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal vs. Jack Sock & Frances Tiafoe (2022)
👉 Sunday, September 14: Carlos Alcaraz & Casper Ruud vs. Ben Shelton & Frances Tiafoe (2024)
👉 Monday, September 15: Daniil Medvedev vs. Ben Shelton (2024)
👉 Tuesday, September 16: Alexander Zverev vs. Frances Tiafoe (2024)
👉 Wednesday, September 17: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Taylor Fritz (2024)