![\"Roger](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/B5C5\/production\/_126833564_federer.jpg\")
<\/span><\/span>A tearful Roger Federer waved goodbye to professional tennis after teaming up with fellow great Rafael Nadal on an emotional night at the Laver Cup.<\/span><\/p>\n The 41-year-old received a long ovation after walking off court for the final time before retiring as a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Swiss, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is considered one of the best players in tennis history.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through,” he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Federer cried as he hugged Nadal and other players, then took acclaim from the 17,500 fans who chanted his name.<\/span><\/p>\n Federer and Spain’s Nadal – for so long rivals at the top of the men’s game – joined forces to play doubles against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the annual team event between Europe and the rest of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite Federer not having played competitively for over a year, the pair pushed Sock and Tiafoe before losing 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 at the O2 Arena.<\/span><\/p>\n It brought the former world number one’s 25-year professional career to a close after his 1,750th competitive match across singles and doubles.<\/span><\/p>\n “It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again,” said Federer as tried to hold back tears during his on-court speech.<\/span><\/p>\n More to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
<\/thead>\n \n\n 20 <\/strong>Grand Slam singles titles<\/span><\/td>\n 310<\/strong> weeks as world number one<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 103 <\/strong>ATP titles<\/span><\/td>\n 28<\/strong> Masters 1,000 titles<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 6 <\/strong>ATP Finals victories<\/span><\/td>\n 31<\/strong> Grand Slam finals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 1 <\/strong>Davis Cup triumph<\/span><\/td>\n \u00a3114m<\/strong> career prize money<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n