Roger Federer

Roger Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, has confirmed in an emotional statement that he plans to retire from tennis imminently, following the ...

It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word. It's been a privilege to share the court with you!!" "As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. "The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. Today, I want to share some news with all of you.

The 41-year-old has been struggling with a knee injury that he says has forced him into a 'bittersweet decision'. File photo dated 10-07-2019 of Roger ...

“I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Through my travels, I have met many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, who consistently took time out of their busy schedules to come watch me play and cheer me on around the globe. He added: “I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in grand slams or on the tour. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth.

The Swiss maestro won 20 Grand Slam titles during his glittering career but, after being plagued by injuries in recent years, will be quitting after the Laver ...

“I would also like to thank my competitors on the court. When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have drama, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. Today, I want to share some news with all of you. [Roger Federer](/latest/roger-federer) has confirmed his retirement at the age of 41, in a blow to the tennis world.

Federer has not competed since Wimbledon in 2021, undergoing knee surgery later that year and missing this year's grand slams while he continued his recovery.

Only if you are Federer’ – Novak Djokovic. The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. ‘If he’s playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. He had remained hopeful of making a return.

Swiss player quits sport after struggle with injuries following glittering career.

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“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.” ...

“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. [Federer](https://www.thenational.scot/sport/20252924.centre-court-gives-roger-federer-standing-ovation-centenary-celebration/) made the announcement via a letter posted on social media, which began: “To my tennis family and beyond. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. [Roger Federer](https://www.thenational.scot/sport/20252924.centre-court-gives-roger-federer-standing-ovation-centenary-celebration/) has confirmed he will retire from professional tennis, with his final tournament taking place in London next week. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.

Rafael Nadal pays tribute to Roger Federer after the 20-time Grand Slam champion announces his retirement.

But he seemed to enjoy and relish [being] under pressure." "He was also someone who was incredibly strong mentally. Stan Wawrinka, who won doubles gold for Switzerland alongside Federer at the 2008 Olympics, said: "Forever grateful for all the memories on and off the court. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner." "It's an unbelievable career, he played for 24 years. He played more than 1,500 matches. Tennis will never be the same without you. I'll see you in London." Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova said of Federer's announcement: "What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Thank you, thank you thank you, for all the magic!" "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,"

Federer's longevity means Djokovic and Nadal will not trouble some of his records, even if the duo surpassed him for grand slam titles. Roger Federer won 20 ...

- 103 – Roger Federer Nevertheless, his longevity makes for records that will take some beating. It was down to Peter Carter to keep him in check, the Australian who coached Federer from nine to 1. “I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years,” Federer said. So while there may be future charity events – “I will play more tennis in the future, of course,” he said (touring the world for bags of cash with Rafael Nadal, anyone?) – we are left reflecting on the competitive career that was. [Serena Williams](https://inews.co.uk/topic/serena-williams?ico=in-line_link), who has already teased a potential return, was at least able to receive the red-carpet treatment her [trailblazing career](https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/serena-williams-goat-story-grand-slam-titles-margaret-court-1832650?ico=in-line_link) warranted in New York recently, with the montages plentiful and the bouquets brimming with colour during her [grand slam finale at Flushing Meadows](https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/serena-williams-us-open-2022-ajla-tomljanovic-retirement-1831467?ico=in-line_link).

Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles and finished five seasons ranked No. 1.

1 in ATP rankings history — he returned to the top spot at 36 in 2018 — and most consecutive weeks there (his total weeks mark was eclipsed by Djokovic). Open the year before in what turned out to be the last match of the American’s career. His 2009 trophy at Roland Garros allowed Federer to complete a career Grand Slam. He leaves with a total of 103 tour-level titles on his substantial resume and 1,251 wins in singles matches, both second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era, which began in 1968. “As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. 1 and helped create a golden era of men’s tennis with rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Shortly after Pete Sampras departed the 2000 Wimbledon final as a 13-time grand slam champion, he was asked a simple question in his press conference: “Can ...

His love of the sport allowed him to push his career right to the very end, squeezing as much out of it as he possibly could until his 41st birthday. For so much of Federer’s career, his longevity was an asset and his efficient style of play allowed him to evade the serious injuries that hurt his rival. With his success, Federer has become one of the most famous tennis players of all time – the ‘RF’ caps are still ubiquitous at all events – but he always had time to be pleasant. Over the course of his career, particularly as his athleticism gradually waned, he built one of the greatest serves of all time. The period that he spent trying to hold off his younger rivals lasted longer than his time as king. He continued to sweep to the net even as his rivals remained rooted to the baseline.

Rafael Nadal has penned an emotional message to his 'friend and rival' Roger Federer after the Swiss legend confirmed his retirement plans.

See you soon. Rod Laver, 11-time major winner, said: ‘Thank you for everything Roger. I’ll see you in London at the Laver Cup.’ I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. [ joins a growing list of tennis stars who have paid tribute to the Swiss superstar](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/15/roger-federer-retirement-reaction-tennis-will-never-be-the-same-17383613/). [Wimbledon](https://metro.co.uk/tag/wimbledon/?ico=auto_link_sport_P2_LNK1) 2021, [ will hang up his racket after the Laver Cup](https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/15/roger-federer-retirement-reaction-tennis-will-never-be-the-same-17383613/) in [London](https://metro.co.uk/tag/london/?ico=auto_link_sport_P2_LNK2) next week, which will be his final appearance.

The Swiss champion, whose final pro event will be next week's Laver Cup, has ranked as Forbes' highest-paid tennis player for 17 straight years.

[Michael Jordan](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2014/06/12/michael-jordan-is-a-billionaire-after-increasing-stake-in-hornets/), [James](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chasewithorn/2022/06/02/lebron-james-is-officially-a-billionaire/) and [Woods](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattcraig/2022/06/10/tiger-woods-officially-a-billionaire-no-thanks-to-the-saudis/)? “Because the pandemic forced me to be home so much for the last 18 months, I have had the opportunity to work with them much more than in normal times.” [world’s highest-paid athletes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/05/11/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2022/) even though he won only about $700,000 in prize money during that time. Maria Sharapova, for instance, has continued to promote Nike, Evian and Porsche since leaving the game in 2020. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.” When he was healthy, Federer could also command $2 million per event to play in exhibitions and smaller tournaments. Roger Federer [said](https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1570401710685945856) Thursday that next week’s Laver Cup—a team tournament he cofounded in 2017—would be his final professional event. The Swiss ace has collected $131 million in prize money since turning pro in 1998, third in ATP Tour history behind Djokovic’s $159 million and Nadal’s $132 million. It also makes him one of “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. He was the world’s highest-paid athlete on the 2020 list with a total of [$106.3 million](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2020/05/29/roger-federer-on-top-the-swiss-tennis-ace-scores-first-no-1-payday-with-106-million/) and has ranked as the [highest-paid tennis player](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/08/25/highest-paid-tennis-players-2022-new-generation-taking-over-from-federer-and-serena/) for 17 straight years. Federer has made roughly $1 billion (before taxes and agents’ fees) across his career just from his endorsements and other business endeavors, according to Forbes estimates.

Following the announcement of his forthcoming retirement, the world of tennis has been paying tribute to 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

“I think, if we only go by numbers, then we will need to, all of them waiting to see when they finish their careers to see who would believe he was better. Then you need to choose what’s more important. However, many people want to narrow that down further and decide which player is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). It is about what people think about you. Corretja is interested to see how Nadal and Djokovic respond to Federer retiring. It is about what you give to people. “What’s the question about the GOAT? “The way he was acting off the court also being so humanitarian all the time and show friendship, fair play and such an elegance. Roger was the example to follow. The statistics are not too helpful, as they all beat each other in different areas. "We knew that that was going to happen but definitely when I saw that news I was like 'no, no way'. He has been so kind, he has been so elegant.”

Roger Federer announced his upcoming retirement on Thursday, bringing near the close of one of the most historic careers in sports history.

[Australian Open](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/australian-open/580/overview), he won his 18th Grand Slam title and his first since [Wimbledon](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/wimbledon/540/overview) in 2012. He went on to claim 20 Grand Slam trophies, which now only trails [Rafael Nadal](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/rafael-nadal/n409/overview) (22) and Djokovic (21). [Laver Cup](https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments/laver-cup/9210/overview) in London, where fans will have an opportunity to give him the send-off he truly deserves. He is also the most-decorated athlete in the history of the Laureus World Sports Awards, winning Sportsman of the Year five times (2005-08, 2018) and Comeback of the Year in 2018. As the 17th seed at the 2017 He also excelled at the ATP Masters 1000 events, where he won 28 titles. Federer served the sport as president of the ATP Player Council from 2008-14 and later rejoined the council from 2019-22. Beyond the court, he is and will continue to be a true role model and ambassador, always giving so much of himself to the fans. [Andrea Gaudenzi](https://www.atptour.com/en/players/andrea-gaudenzi/g254/overview) said: “Roger’s impact on tennis, and the legacy he’s built, are impossible to overstate. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport. He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the Tour."

The Swiss will bid farewell to the sport at next week's Laver Cup in London.

Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.” Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day. “We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. “Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. “I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. Federer made the announcement on Thursday via a letter posted on social media, which began: “To my tennis family and beyond. Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget.

ROGER FEDERER announced he will retire after the Laver Cup next week.

And they're both going to miss him, I think tremendously.” “I think Roger Federer takes his popularity with him. “I don't think it's going to make either of them [Nadal or Djokovic] more popular because Roger Federer is gone,” Wilander told

The first few names that pop up are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, and Serena Williams just to name a few. These athletes have changed how ...

He holds the all-time record for Halle titles with 10 and the all-time record for Wimbledon titles with 8. Federer has announced that will continue playing for the time being, but he will not participate in any Grand Slams or the Tour. Federer will go down as one of the greatest and most accomplished athletes in world history. In that time, recorded the two largest final streaks with 10 consecutive trips and another 8 consecutive trips later. Federer announced on Thursday that he plans on retiring from the game that loves so much. The first few names that pop up are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Michael Phelps, and Serena Williams just to name a few.

The 2003 Wimbledon final marked Federer's first grand slam victory, and the first time he had such a huge audience watching on TV.

Yet again, Federer had the match on his own serve (around the 40 second mark above) but he went for conservative serves that Djokovic brushed off with seeming ease. Then on the second match point, and visibly shaken by what Djokovic had just pulled off on the first match point, Federer bungled a simple forehand into the bottom of the net. Nadal had figured out the formula for beating Federer (high balls to the backhand side) and came into the event with a dominant record against his arch rival. OK, so this wasn’t a truly important match or tournament for Federer (although he did win it). [a heart-wrenching defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/01/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-australian-open) in the 2009 Australian Open final, was desperate to claim a French title to complete the career grand slam. The Swiss maestro then went on to [demolish surprise finalist Söderling](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/07/roger-federer-wins-french-open) in the final to win his only French Open title. [losing to Nadal in five thrilling sets](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/23977542/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-epic-2008-wimbledon-final), Federer was back in the Wimbledon final and, again, [competing in another epic](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jul/05/roger-federer-wimbledon-final-andy-roddick). Remarkably, just a year after losing two match points in the semi-final to his rival, Federer again found himself up two match points in the same round in New York. His career having been declared unofficially over, after struggling with physical ailments and lackluster performances in the slams, Federer came into the Australian Open with little fanfare. Waving his finger in the air after the match was done, it was obvious to all how much this victory meant to him. In the first-set tiebreaker, with the score knotted at two apiece, Federer displayed all his brilliance in one point: a half-volley from the baseline, wide-angled groundstrokes and a finish with a brilliant forehand down the line. Playing somewhat against the crowd – perhaps for the only time in his career - who were behind the sentimental favorite Agassi, Federer unleashed a ridiculously powerful forehand from well behind the baseline in the early going (around the 28 second mark in the video above).

Serena Williams has welcomed Roger Federer to the "retirement club" after the 20-time grand slam champion announced he will bring his professional tennis ...

I'll see you in London LaverCup." And thank you for being you." You inspired countless millions and millions of people - including me - and we will never forget.

Serena Williams has welcomed Roger Federer to the "retirement club" after the 20-time grand slam champion announced he will bring his professional tennis ...

Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.’ Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. ‘Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. ‘They were like giants to me and I began to dream. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels. Federer made the announcement on Thursday via a letter posted on social media, which began: ‘To my tennis family and beyond. Only if you are Federer’ – Novak Djokovic. ‘If he’s playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. Welcome to the retirement club. ‘The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event.

Federer announced his impending retirement in a lengthy statement on Thursday, confirming that next week's Laver Cup would be his final tournament. His news ...

He then returned for just five tournaments last year before suffering a “setback” with the knee at Wimbledon in 2021 - his most recent tournament to date. But world No 446 Sandgren went against the norm as he jokingly sent the tennis legend an x-rated message. [Roger Federer](/latest/roger-federer) and his 24-year career have been pouring in since the Swiss star [announced that he would be retiring](/sport/tennis/1669867/Roger-Federer-retire-Laver-Cup-retirement-tennis-news) at the upcoming Laver Cup.

Tennis legend Serena Williams has said she "always looked up to” Roger Federer after the Swiss superstar announced his retirement on Thursday.

I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. “I have always looked up to you and admired you. [has said she could return to tennis one day](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/us-open/2022/serena-williams-hints-she-could-yet-return-to-tennis-after-praising-tom-brady-s-nfl-comeback_sto9143472/story.shtml), in the same way Tom Brady backtracked on his retirement plans to continue playing in the NFL. Before the US Open, Williams said she planned to "evolve away” from the sport. ['Going to be very special' - Schett excited for Federer's Laver Cup swansong](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/laver-cup/2022/barbara-schett-excited-for-very-special-roger-federer-farewell-at-the-laver-cup-in-london_sto9145646/story.shtml) [Wilander lauds Federer: Like Pavarotti singing Bob Dylan songs](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/pavarotti-singing-bob-dylan-songs-mats-wilander-lauds-retiring-tennis-legend-roger-federer_sto9145501/story.shtml) ['Went way over tennis' - Federer was the sport's most charismatic player, says Corretja](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/roger-federer-was-tennis-most-charismatic-ever-player-according-to-alex-corretja_sto9145494/story.shtml) ['A sad day' - Nadal hails Federer and wishes 'this day would never have come'](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/laver-cup/2022/a-sad-day-rafael-nadal-hails-fellow-legend-roger-federer-and-wishes-this-day-would-never-have-come_sto9145409/story.shtml) That's what I want to say," said Williams when asked by Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show about whether she could perform a dramatic U-turn with her retirement plans. [is exclusively live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/laver-cup/2022/how-to-watch-laver-cup-2022-will-roger-federer-and-rafael-nadal-be-playing-who-is-playing-when-is-it_sto9134772/story.shtml)- [he will step away from tennis for good after a series of injuries and operations](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/tennis/laver-cup/2022/roger-federer-tennis-and-sports-stars-pay-tribute-to-swiss-legend-after-retirement-announcement_sto9145184/story.shtml). Williams retired from tennis after her third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open but “I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest - perfectly done, just like your career,” said Williams in a post on Instagram. The announcement has been met with an outpouring of love across tennis and the wider sporting spectrum, and Serena Williams has been the latest great to venerate the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Tennis legend Serena Williams has said she "always looked up to” Roger Federer after the Swiss superstar announced his retirement on Thursday. Federer, 41, said on social media that after this year's Laver Cup - which runs from September 23 to 25 and

Although his 20 Grand Slam titles place him third behind Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21), Cannizzaro insisted that Federer is “the GOAT for the entire ...

However, he added, “no player ever raised the aesthetics of hitting a tennis ball to a height quite like Roger Federer”. He described the debate as a “tiresome, simplistic and one-dimensional approach to assessing greatness” and a “myopic, insecure and immature reflex by sportswriters and commentators who feel the need to declare their own generation is undoubtedly the best”. Even as part of the “Federer-Nadal-Djokovic tripod of power”, the Swiss was “without any reasonable cause for argument” the “greatest tennis player ever”, argued Ronay. Although his 20 Grand Slam titles place him third behind Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21), Cannizzaro insisted that Federer is “the GOAT for the entire package that he was as a player and a human being” because “he was flawless at both”. “There is no absolute answer” to the question of whether Federer, Djokovic or Nadal “was the greatest tennis giant of them all”, wrote Owen Slot for [Federer](https://www.theweek.co.uk/95717/roger-federer-playing-with-perfection) was “the greatest player in an era of greats”, said [The Guardian’s](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2022/sep/15/farewell-roger-federer-greatest-player-era-tennis-greats) Barney Ronay.

Novak Djokovic has paid tribute to Roger Federer with the Swiss legend set to retire from tennis.

I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. I’ll see you in London at the Laver Cup.’ I know that this new chapter will hold amazing things for you, Mirka, the kids, all your loved ones, and Roger fans still have a lot to look forward to. ‘Dear Roger, my friend and rival,’ Nadal posted on Instagram. ‘Over a decade of incredible moments and battles to think back on. 19 of those came in finals, with Djokovic winning 13 of those.

The Swiss will bid farewell to the sport at next week's Laver Cup in London.

Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.” Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day. “We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. “Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. “I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career. Federer made the announcement on Thursday via a letter posted on social media, which began: “To my tennis family and beyond. Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget.

At once the best tennis player of all time and beatable, he was the one everyone wanted to see on court.

He was simultaneously the greatest player of all time – and beatable. He had two match points in the fifth set against Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2020 but failed to convert them (or Djokovic saved them) and the satisfied ideal gave way to an agonised “if only …”. Federer was still the player people most wanted to see, but it came to seem inevitable that he would fall short against Nadal or Djokovic. The single most beautiful component of his play was the one-handed backhand. After that, he announced he was having surgery on his troublesome knee and taking the rest of the season off. His unsurpassable haul of 20 Grand Slams was surpassed, first by Rafael Nadal and then by Novak Djokovic, but still the official word was that he would be back.

When is Roger Federer retiring? The Laver Cup will be Federer's final competitive competition. The tournament takes place at London's O2 Arena from September 23 ...

With the world watching, Federer came through 7-5 in the final set to knock Sampras out and reach the quarter-finals, where he was beaten by Tim Henman. Roger Federer announced himself to the world as a 19-year-old at the 2001 Wimbledon Championships. Federer bit back to take the third, but Sampras levelled things to take it to a decider. He eventually saw off Marin Cilic in five sets in the final. "As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. Federer has been fighting injury in recent years, minimising the amount of time he has been able to spend on court.

Roger Federer's impact on both tennis and the African continent is hailed after the Swiss announced his impending retirement.

He is always interested in South Africa and asking us about South Africa." "Watching somebody like Roger Federer, he plays a little bit different to everybody else - almost like beautiful tennis. He's really well liked and is very consistent in his behaviour with everybody. "He's been so amazing to myself and Lloyd. He invested a lot of his foundation into South African projects, especially in the Eastern Cape. "At 41, the Swiss maestro will definitely retire as one of the all-time greats in sport.

ROGER FEDERER has responded to Rafael Nadal following the Spaniard's message regarding his old rival's retirement.

And now Federer has responded to his great rival. "It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. Nadal paid tribute to the 20-time Grand Slam singles champion after the news of his retirement broke.