Roger will never forget Nadal's 'incredible effort'

Roger Federer, newly retired, was back in Switzerland on Monday night after flying home from London, where he wrapped up a whirlwind farewell to his competitive 24-year career with one last match at the Laver Cup.

- Christopher Clarey

He partnered with his friendly rival Rafael Nadal in doubles for Team Europe, losing a close match to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of eventual winners Team World.

But the defeat was secondary to the occasion – an intense, emotional goodbye for Federer, 41, and those surrounding him, including his wife, Mirka, and their four children, plus Nadal and another friendly rival, Novak Djokovic.

The departure of the 20-time Grand Slam champion marks the beginning of the end of a golden age in the men’s game in which the Big Three of Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have developed rich and long-running rivalries, lifting each other and their sport.

I first interviewed Federer in February 2001, in his home city of Basel, when he was still a teenager and had yet to win his first Slam. On Monday night, we spoke by telephone about the 21 years since.

Q So, how do you feel now that it’s really over?

A I think I feel complete. I lost my last singles match. I lost my last doubles match. I lost my voice from screaming and supporting the team. I lost the last time as a team. I lost my job, but I’m very happy. I’m good. I’m really good.

Q Rafa Nadal clearly made a big effort to be part of the event on Friday, given his wife’s pregnancy. What did it mean for him to be there for you for the doubles?

A I called him after the US Open – I waited for him to finish that tournament – just to let him know about my retirement.