Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

'I wish this day would have never come': Reaction to Federer announcing his retirement

“Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration!, said Carlos Alcaraz.

'I wish this day would have never come': Reaction to Federer announcing his retirement

Following is a roundup of reaction to Roger Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam champion and former world number one, announcing his retirement from the sport at the age of 41 after the Laver Cup later this month:

RAFA NADAL, 22-TIMES GRAND SLAM WINNER


"I wish this day would have never come. It's a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.

"We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you."

WIMBLEDON, WHERE FEDERER WON A MEN'S RECORD EIGHT TITLES

"Roger, where do we begin? It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.

"We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many."

CARLOS ALCARAZ, NEW MEN'S NUMBER ONE

"Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!"

ANDREA GAUDENZI, ATP CHAIRMAN

"Roger's impact on tennis, and the legacy he's built, are impossible to overstate. Over 24 years as a professional, Roger brought millions of adoring fans into the game. He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport.

"Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport. He redefined greatness on the court."

THOMAS BACH, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

"Roger Federer is a gentleman on and off the court – and a true Olympic champion. Congratulations Roger on your outstanding career, good luck for the future. Hope our paths will cross again."

BILLIE JEAN KING, FORMER WOMEN'S NUMBER ONE

"Roger Federer is a champion's champion. He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind.

"He has had a historic career with memories that will live on and on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We wish you the very best as your journey continues."

SCOTT LLOYD, LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION CEO

"He will retire as one of the legends of the game, who brought joy to anyone who watches tennis. Nobody who saw him play will forget his grace, elegance and poise on court.

"We were lucky that many of his greatest performances took place at Wimbledon, and he will always remain a favourite of the British crowds."

JOHN ISNER

"Some of Fed's numbers are laughably impossible to top (23 straight slam semi-finals, for instance) but his impact on tennis far exceeds what he accomplished on court.

"Absolute living legend. Thanks for all the countless memories."

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO, FORMER U.S. OPEN CHAMPION

"I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you've done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you.

ANDY RODDICK, WHO LOST THE 2009 WIMBLEDON FINAL TO FEDERER

"Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don't be a stranger.

"Also, seems like a good time to start training for Wimby (Obviously kidding)."

PETRA KVITOVA, TWICE WIMBLEDON CHAMPION

"Roger - you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game.

"I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won't be the same without you! Thank you."

ROLAND GARROS

"An inspiration on and off the court. Thank you, Roger."

LAVER CUP

"Congratulations on a transcendent competitive career. Thank you for being a never-ending source of inspiration."

SWISS TENNIS

"Thank you Roger Federer for everything you have done for Swiss and international tennis, for all the countless emotions we were able to share with you, for every child you inspired to play tennis!"

SACHIN TENDULKAR, FORMER CRICKETER

"What a career, Roger Federer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories."

MILOS RAONIC

"Thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual. Thanks to you competitors and fans across the world get to experience and enjoy it all over the world.

"Congratulations on your achievements and the people you continue to impact in and away from tennis."

DENIS SHAPOVALOV

"A role model for me and so many others!! Thanks for everything Roger. It's been a privilege to share the court with you!!"

DAVID FERRER, FORMER WORLD NUMBER THREE

"The saddest day in tennis. Thanks Mr Federer."

GARY LINEKER, FORMER FOOTBALLER AND TV PRESENTER

"It's been one of the great pleasures in life to watch you play. You've brought so much joy to so many. Good luck with whatever comes next."

JUDY MURRAY, ANDY MURRAY'S MOTHER

"The end of a magnificent era."

More For You

JD-Vance-Getty

JD Vance Lands in India, Begins Four-Day Diplomatic Visit

getty image

JD Vance lands in India for his four-day visit

US VICE PRESIDENT JD Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit, during which he is scheduled to meet prime minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes as India looks to secure a trade deal with the US and avoid increased tariffs.

Vance's visit, which includes family engagements, will also see discussions with Modi. He is expected to review the progress made on issues agreed upon during Modi’s February meeting with US president Donald Trump in Washington, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian Media Group unveils first-ever Women of Colour Power List

(From left) Asian Media Group Executive Editor Shailesh Solanki, Chief Operating Officer Aditya Solanki and Managing Editor Kalpesh Solanki unveil inaugural “Women of Colour Power List 2025” at 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans

Asian Media Group unveils first-ever Women of Colour Power List

ASIAN MEDIA GROUP USA, publisher of Asian Hospitality magazine, launched the first-ever “Women of Colour Power List 2025” at the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, honouring 51 women reshaping the US hospitality industry.

The publication is the first to spotlight the achievements of women of colour, recognising their resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Keep ReadingShow less
pope-francis

The Pope had recently recovered from a serious case of double pneumonia.

Getty Images

Pope Francis dies at 88, Vatican announces

POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the announcement on the Vatican’s TV channel. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Vance, Modi talks to focus on 'US-India strategic ties'

JD Vance (R) with Narendra Modi. (Photo by LEAH MILLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Vance, Modi talks to focus on 'US-India strategic ties'

US vice president JD Vance will begin a four-day official visit to India on Monday (21), as part of efforts to strengthen economic, trade and strategic ties between the two countries. He will be accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, their three children, and top US officials.

The visit comes at a critical time, as the US and India aim to finalise a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement. Both sides are also looking to boost cooperation in defence, technology, and regional security amid ongoing tensions with China.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thousands rally in UK for trans rights after landmark ruling

Members of the public gather in Parliament Square with banners and placards as part of the Trans Liberation emergency Protest on April 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Montgomery/Getty Images)

Thousands rally in UK for trans rights after landmark ruling

THOUSANDS of people on Saturday (19) rallied in London and Edinburgh in support of trans rights, after a landmark UK court ruling on the definition of a "woman".

Supreme Court last Wednesday (16) ruled that the legal definition of a "woman" is based on a person's sex at birth, with potentially far-reaching consequences for how single-sex spaces and services are run.

Keep ReadingShow less