Roger Federer hinted at a potential farewell tour after he played the final professional match of his illustrious career in the early hours of Saturday morning at the O2 Arena in London.
The 20-time grand-slam champion could not bring the curtain down with one final competitive victory after losing 6-4 6-7 (2) 9-11 alongside doubles partner Rafael Nadal to Team World pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cups.
Both Federer and Nadal were in tears at the conclusion of a two-hour-and-14-minute battle that saw the former world number ones squander match point much to the disappointment of a buoyant 17,500-capacity crowd.
Not that the final result mattered with standing ovations afforded to the 41-year-old throughout his ‘last dance’ and plenty of highlights, including a 116mph ace and one sensational drop shot winner in the deciding tie-breaker.
Federer had announced last week that the doubles contest on night
