September 24, (THEWILL) – In his farewell tennis match, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were defeated by Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, in the doubles event at the Laver Cup in the wee hours of Saturday.
The team known as “Fedal” lost to the Team World duo 4-6 7-6(2) 11-9 in London during a week filled with tributes to and celebrations for Federer, who was retiring from the game he dominated over long periods as he grew from a youth champion to a tennis legend.
As they exited together in front of a packed O2 Arena in London, Federer and Nadal were given an emotional standing ovation. The game itself was a tight affair and neither team could find a breakthrough.
In the third set, Federer displayed extraordinary skill by making a shot that even he had likely never attempted before: a powerful forehand down the line, sending the ball through the net, where it collided with the tramlines’ posts, and into the opposing side of the court drawing applause from the crowds.
But, the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s dream came to an end when Team World won the three championship points after Federer and Nadal failed to win the opening match point in the closing game of the third set. Following the victory, Federer shed a few tears as his teammates praised him and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
