The quotes of 2022, episode 18 – Federer’s farewell: “I am happy, I am not sad”

To end 2022, Tennis Majors offers you a review, in chronological order and in series format, on the outstanding, inspiring or funny quotes of the year. Episode 18, Roger Federer’s farewell

Roger Federer at the 2022 Laver Cup (Antoine Couvercelle/Panoramic)

Mathieu Canac

December 29, 2022

This is not a page in the history of tennis that has been turned, it’s a whole tome that has come to an end. On the night of September 23-24, during the Laver Cup, Roger Federer took advantage of a final doubles match with fellow player Rafael Nadal to bid farewell to his professional career.

“It’s been a wonderful day – I’m happy, not sad,” he said in front of an adoring crowd. “Of course, playing with Rafa in the same team, it’s been wonderful, guys. All the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan [Edberg], thank youI feel like this ending is a celebration, and that’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

He added: “My family is here tonight. I had so much fun over the last so many years, my wife has supported. She could have stopped me a long time ago but she did not. She allowed me to play. Without my mum, I would not be here, thank you to her and my dad. It has been incredible.”

The evening will be remembered for one lasting and striking image: Federer and Nadal, in tears, sitting next to each other and hand in hand.

“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments that he has been next or in front of me in important moments of my life,” he said.

“So have been emotional see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”