Roger Federer says goodbye to pro tennis after Laver Cup loss

Roger Federer said Friday night goodbye to pro tennis at London's Laver Cup with his longtime rival, Rafael Nadal.

Federer, who has not participated in 15 months, lost a final of 4 -- 6, 7 -- 6 2 11 -- 9 to Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

After the match, Federer, the Swiss tennis legend and 20-time Grand Slam winner, appeared to tear up and waved to the cheering crowd, mouthing Thank you. It was a perfect journey, Federer said. During the final moments of the more than two-hour long match that stretched past midnight, spectators chanted Let s go Roger! Federer was also treated to a video tribute sponsored by his sponsor, Champagne brand Mo t Chandon, called A toast to Roger Federer. He was pictured with his team, wiping his eyes.

Federer announced last week that this tournament would be his last as a competitor. He had said something before. Federer tweeted hours before Friday's match: "I have done this thousands of times, but this one feels different." Federer's last singles game was his loss in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in July 2021. His right knee has been injured several times throughout his career, and his final of three operations followed that final singles match.

He took time off for more than a year but told TODAY s Savannah Guthrie on September 16 that he realized it was time to retire.

When I came back from vacation, I could really feel the feeling in me that I don't think I can make it back, he said. I could feel very quickly, like, it was done. Following the challenges of his injuries and surgeries, the tennis champ has worked hard to return to full competitive form, a post to social media announcing his retirement. He said that his message to me recently has been clear, because I know my body's capacities and limits. I have played more than 1,500 games over the last 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt of, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career. He said later that he is excited to spend more time with his family at home. Federer is father to twin girls Myla and Charlene, 13, as well as twin boys Lenny and Leo, 8. with his wife Mirka.

He said that his generation of tennis pros pushed tennis in the right direction. I think I did it my way. I always stayed true to myself and people, and always it seemed like I loved watching me play, which is the ultimate compliment, I guess.