Stefanos Tsitsipas on Roger Federer: “He was winning Grand Slams before there were iPhones”

Present at Roger Federer’s farewell from tennis was Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also participated in the Laver Cup held in London, giving historic moments to fans of the sport and beyond.

The Greek tennis player in his public farewell to Roger Federer used his peculiar style, which has caused strong reactions at times.

First, Stefanos Tsitsipas in his Instagram post about Roger Federer called the Swiss tennis star a “gladiator” writing “True gladiators never retire.”

At the same time, however, Stefanos Tsitsipas added to his post about Roger Federer, which he accompanied with photos from the Laver Cup: “Winning grand slams even before the iPhone was invented. What an icon!”

Roger Federer’s family joined the legendary player on the court after his final competitive match at the Laver Cup.

The Swiss maestro’s wife Mirka, four children – Leo, Lenny, Myla and Charlene, and parents Lynette and Robert hugged Federer, leaving the entire O2 Arena in tears. The 20-time major singles champion was also lifted in the air by his teammates and opponents after his last match – a doubles event – alongside Rafael Nadal.

Federer and Nadal or ‘Fedal’ of Team Europe lost to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World 6-4, 6(2)-7, 9-11 in front of a packed house on Friday, September 23.

Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Stefanos Tsitsipas (@stefanostsitsipas98)

Federer, who last week announced his retirement from competitive tennis, thanked his wife Mirka for her continued support. “She could have stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s amazing – thank you.”

“In my vision, I was never able to talk, so I am doing way better. And everybody is here tonight from my family, so it is great. We have had so much fun over the last 13 years.”

Federer also acknowledged the crucial role his mother played in his career. “I find it always funny – we always blame my Mum for everything because, without her, I would not be here, of course. So, thanks to my parents, you have been amazing.”

Federer finished his competitive tennis career with 20 Grand Slam singles titles. His trophy cabinet includes 6 Australian Open titles, 1 French Open trophy, 8 Wimbledon trophies and 5 consecutive US Open titles.

In his ATP Tour career, Federer earned 1251 wins, which is the second-most after Jimmy Connors (1274). Federer also won 103 tour-level trophies, only behind Connors (109).

It is to be noted that Federer never retired from a match and, at the age of 36, became the oldest world number one in the history of the ATP rankings on February 19, 2018.