World of sport reacts to Roger Federer’s retirement announcement
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from all over the world, from politicians, athletes and celebrities alike.
“Roger is a giant of the sport, both on and off the court,” tweeted former Australian captain Mark Wissman, who played in five Wimbledon championships.
“He’s a hero of mine, my hero. This is such a great moment as a sportsman and as a human being to retire on top,” tweeted fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.
The announcement drew criticism from some former Federer-worshippers.
“Roger Federer is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time? He’s just a great player — not God,” former top-ranked player Bjorn Borg wrote on Twitter.
“I mean, who can take that away from Roger? Who is this guy to come in from the world of other sports and just destroy tennis as we know it?” wrote former professional tennis player Stefan Edberg.
“That’s the way it is in sport. Great athletes are great at some things in life and not so great at others. It’s nothing for anyone to take on a pedestal,” wrote Michael Schulman, a former professional tennis player and coach for the USTA.
“There are more important things in life than being number one,” tweeted US tennis player Andy Roddick.
Roddick, who also has an office in New York, where Federer was planning to hold his media events, said in a statement that “Roger’s retirement will be welcomed with open arms here in New York.”
Others expressed their appreciation.
“What a great honour for tennis to host Roger & the USTA. He’ll be missed but he is not the only one,” tweeted tennis commentator Kevin McDaid.
Roger Federer
Other reaction came from world leaders as well.
“A great sport, a great man, and the best in the world. Roger is a rare and exceptional tennis player,” tweeted Brazilian President Michel Temer.
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