By Richard Pagliaro | Tennis Now | Saturday September 24, 2022
Parting can be painful.
Seeing Roger Federer showered with love and appreciation in his tennis farewell on Friday night was a profound experience for Novak Djokovic.
Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe saved a match point out-dueling Federer and Rafael Nadal in a gripping 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9 victory that leveled Team World with Team Europe on the opening day of Laver Cup play in London.
In the celebratory ceremony that followed, both Federer and Nadal wept—and many in the packed O2 Arena shed tears right along with the champions.
“One of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever experienced in my life for sure.”@DjokerNole shares his account of @rogerfederer‘s final match at the #LaverCup. pic.twitter.com/O5pRq8Xi6o
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 24, 2022
Former world No. 1 Djokovic, who embraced Federer as he came off the court called the stirring ceremony “one of the most beautiful moments” tennis has ever seen.
“We would all agree this was one of the most beautiful moments that everyone has experienced live or on TV on the tennis courts worldwide of all time,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview after a near flawless 6-1, 6-3 dissection of Frances Tiafoe to lift Team Europe to a 6-4 lead over Team World on Saturday night. “We all knew it was going to be an emotional farewell for Roger.”
The reigning Wimbledon champion said he felt a rush of mixed emotions—and gratitude that he could share the stage with fellow Big 4 icons Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in a show of solidarity for Federer and in celebration of the one of the world’s most accomplished athletes and greatest generation the game produced.
“I think we were all taken away by the moment. At the same time it’s kind of a mix of emotions,” Djokovic said. “Sadness because one of the greatest athletes of all time is leaving the sport. But on the other hand seeing him happy with all the way it all played out I was just very grateful and privileged to be alongside other Team Europe and Team World players to witness that.”
😁😁😁😁 @andy_murray @rogerfederer @RafaelNadal #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/TUCbKkkxkQ
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 22, 2022
The power of Federer sharing his passion and pure emotion with the packed O2 Arena crowd prompted Djokovic to call the emotional farewell “one of the most beautiful…
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