Tennis maestro Roger Federer announced retirement from professional tennis a couple of weeks ago. The 20-time Grand Slam winner played his farewell match at the Laver Cup 2022 wherein he partnered with his long-time rival Rafael Nadal for a doubles game. Although Federer lost his last-ever game in professional tennis, it was a watershed moment for his fans as well as the player himself.
The Swiss was seen in tears and so was his partner cum rival Nadal. Federer received a rousing goodbye from the fans present at the venue. The 41-year-old also got lots of love from fans across the globe on social media. Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was also among those people who wished Federer the best for his future endeavours and hailed him as the Greatest of All Time.
Kohli sent a message to the tennis legend through ATP’s social media page as he recorded himself saying, "Hello, Roger. It's a great honour for me to be able to send this video across for you, congratulating you on a phenomenal career that has given us so many beautiful moments and memories. I personally had the chance to meet you at the Australian Open in 2018, something that I'll never ever forget in my life. One thing that stood out for me even watching you play, was the fact that so many people around the world, not just in the world of tennis got behind you, supporting you and that kind of unity I've never seen for any other individual athlete ever.
"That is something that cannot be created, that cannot be generated in anyway. You had that special ability always. It was very evident when we watched you play and the aura you brought on court is unmatchable. And for me, you're always going to be the greatest of all time. I'm sure in the next phase of your life you're going to have as much fun and as much enjoyment as you did on the court. I wish you all the best and your family as well. Take care,” said Kohli in the video.
Now, Federer has acknowledged Kohli’s message as he thanked the cricketer for his words.
The 41-year-old took to his official Instagram account to react to Kohli's video message. "Thanks @virat.kohli. I hope to make it to India soon," Federer captioned Kohli's video message on his Instagram story.