After the final match of his career, that he played partnering with Rafael Nadal at Laver Cup, Roger Federer broke in tears, soon followed by Nadal beside him.

It was after midnight in London when Roger Federer entered into his retirement after playing his final match at the fifth edition of the Laver Cup. At age 41, the superlative career comprising of 20 Grand Slam titles, ended with a loss in doubles alongside Rafael Nadal for Team Europe.

After the match ended, Federer hugged Nadal, then Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World to whom they were defeated. The last minute yells of “Let’s go, Roger! Let’s go!” faded away giving rise to thunderous applause and ovation. With a heaving chest, Federer was seen just muttering the words “Thank you”; tears rolling by his cheeks. Rafael Nadal was crying beside him and after sometime there was barely anybody left who were not.

“It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy; I’m not sad. I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time. Everything was the last time.”

Federer was joined by his wife, Mirka, their four children and his parents on the court. Members of both teams joined together to hoist Federer up in the air.

Though losing the match, it was Roger’s time to take the final ‘victory’ lap; he went all around the stadium blowing kisses and waving. And thus the king retired with a final nod.

“I wanted to feel like this at the end, and it’s exactly what I hoped for.”