By Mark Gray
6:19am PDT, Sep 24, 2022
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After a 24-year career that saw him bring home 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 singles titles, on Sept. 15, 2022, Roger Federer announced that he was retiring from professional tennis at 41 after the Laver Cup in London. And on Sept. 23, he ended his career with a defeat while playing a doubles match alongside longtime friend and rival Rafael Nadal, earning a five-minute standing ovation as the crowd chanted his name. "I'm happy, I'm not sad," the emotional tennis icon said after the match. Over the course of his celebrated career, Roger amassed a massive following of fans, which included many celebrities. With his resume, Roger is no doubt among the faces of tennis's Mount Rushmore.
Keep reading to see how notable names and A-listers have reacted to his retirement news…
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"Dear Roger, my friend and rival. 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. I'll see you in London @LaverCup" –Rafael Nadal
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"You have left your indelible, unmatched stamp on the sport of tennis. Thank you!" —Hugh Jackman
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"There will never be another like you. thank you, Rog!!" –Savannah Guthrie
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"Congratulations, @RogerFederer, on an incredible 24 year run. You're now ready for podcasting." –Conan O'Brien
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"For me, he's the greatest, and classiest, to ever play the game. A genius. Thanks for all the entertainment @rogerfederer" –Piers Morgan
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"Always humble, kind, honest and grateful. Tennis will never quite be the same again. Yet you've set the stage for millions to dream and to follow. And now we have time for some more adventures!" –Bear Grylls
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"Nooooo!! So sad to see you go. But… now we can ski!!" –Lindsey Vonn
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"Roger Federer is a champion's champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on. Congratulations @rogerfederer. We wish you the very best as your journey continues." –Billie Jean King
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"What a heartfelt message , full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!! Xoxoxo" — Martina Navratilova
