Tennis world left saddened by Roger Federer’s last Laver Cup photo with teammates

A photo shared by Swiss tennis great Rodger Federer has become a bittersweet reminder for tennis fans that his stellar career in the sport is coming to an end.

The 41-year-old is set to farewell the tennis world this weekend after competing in his last professional tennis match at the Laver Cup on Friday, September 23, where emotions will surely run high.

“I thought London is very fitting for me being my last one because, like you said, down the road at Wimbledon I’ve won so much here at the World Tour finals,” Federer told Sky Sports prior to the tournament.

“I qualified so often times and I had the chance to play The O2. I just thought it would be wonderful having [Björn] Borg on the chair, having the greatest players on the planet right now alongside me, and I just felt it wouldn’t feel lonely.

“Because often when you retire, you’re alone on the court. You’ve probably just lost your last match and you’re all emotional and talking how much it meant to you being in the game, and I thought I didn’t want that – I didn’t want that sad moment, I wanted to be happy and more like a party, party mode, and I hope we’re going to get that at The O2 this weekend.”

As he prepares to take to the court for the last time, Federer posted a group photo on Twitter alongside some of the star-studded players who are competing in the upcoming tournament.

Ready to take on the World ???????? @CasperRuud98 @andy_murray @DjokerNole @cam_norrie @steftsitsipas pic.twitter.com/tXeHuQKVvi

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 21, 2022

In the photo, Federer is seen smiling at the camera with fellow “Big 4” team members Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as well as Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Cameron Norrie and Matteo Berrettini, all looking dapper in their suits as they stand in front of the iconic London Bridge.

The sweet shot has already gained over 190 thousand likes on Twitter and a plethora of comments from fans thanking Federer for his contribution to the sport.

We love you so much Roger ????♥️ Thank you for everything, you’re special ????
Go Team Europe!✨????????????????

— Marika Nic (@_MarikaNic) September 21, 2022

The last EVER time we’ll see ‘The Big 4’ in a competitive event ????????
Thank you Roger ????????
Thank you Novak ????????
Thank you Rafa ????????
Thank you Andy ????????????????????????????

You set standards that will never be replicated. It has been a pleasure to live through the Era ❤

— Yousaf ???????????????????????????????????? (@Yousaf_S_1987) September 21, 2022

Sorry your retiring, I was hoping you keep the slam fest going with Nadal and dochavich. Have fun with family and I’ll watch your last match on Saturday!

— Stephen Schivelbein (@SSchivelbein) September 22, 2022

Congratulations Roger, you will be missed in the tennis world and what a great run it was to watch you throughout the years. Good luck my favorite tennis player of all times.

— Carrieanne (@vrckk34) September 21, 2022

The photo comes a week after the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s shock retirement announcement on Friday, September 16.

Federer had cited injuries and surgeries as the deciding factor in leaving his competitive career.

Federer announced his “bittersweet decision” to retire on social media, thanking his family, team, sponsors, competitors, and fans for their support over the years.

To my tennis family and beyond,

With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022

During his impressive career, Federer was ranked world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for an incredible 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.

He has claimed victory in 103 ATP singles titles, the second most of all time, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles, and a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles.

At the 2018 Australian Open, Federer became the first man to win 20 major singles titles and for a time was the oldest ATP world No. 1 at just age 36.