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 Alcarez, new men’s No. 1: “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!”
Iga Swiatek, women’s No. 1: “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you are for our sport. It’s been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best.”
Rafael Nadal: “I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports people around the world. I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here. 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.”
Opinion: Roger Federer, the tennis legend who turned sport into art
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.”
Swiss president Ignazio Cassis: “What a career, what a champion. Thank you Roger Federer for all the matches, victories, defeats and emotions we were able to experience. The Swiss couldn’t be prouder!”
Thamas Bach, IOC 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Judy Murray, Andy Murray’s mother: “The end of a magnificent era.”