You were aware that this was not your typical doubles match taking place in London before the first changeover.
A video tribute that included a toast to Roger Federer and a homage from his partner Rafael Nadal was playing as Roger Federer had just held serve to make the score 2-1.
Everything is, of course, sponsored by the Swiss legend’s preferred champagne brand.
More than 17,000 people came to the 02 Arena to say goodbye on a night that already stood on its own, so this mingling of commercialism and sporting history was somewhat unwanted.
Federer lost and broke down in tears at the conclusion, but the best recollection is seeing his flowing backhand one last time in a competitive setting. Additionally, his dexterous footwork appeared to have held up very well despite the three operations that ended his illustrious career.
A reminder that possibly no one has ever been able to land their delivery with such effortless precision was also provided during the opening service game.
The fundamental fact was that he hadn’t participated in a match of any type for fifteen months. He was the more reliable one of his duo, though you would have hardly realized it.
The record will reflect that Federer lost to Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock in his final match, 6-4 6-7 11-9. Let it be demonstrated that the 41-year-old made it through without having his serve broken.
It won’t be remembered that it resulted in a tie of 2-2 between Team Europe and Team World on the first day of a competition with Rod Laver’s honor, who had a front-row seat to see it.
Even while he and Nadal frequently appeared to find the whole affair amusing, cracking jokes with their team members at the changeovers, Federer remained competitive to the very end amidst all the fanfare and adoration.
With Novak Djokovic leaning in to provide advice about where to make his opponents hit the first shot of the rally, there was also some serious strategy at play.
Although there may be concerns about this tournament’s confected structure, there is no denying that it brings about situations you could never hope to witness anywhere.
There was a brain trust there with 63 Grand Slam championships between the three of them when Djokovic stuck his head in to provide some advice.
Public personalities from various spheres of life—reflecting Federer’s varied interests—flocked to the 02 to pay their respects.
Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, is an unofficial superfan who has followed him across the globe to observe. Stefan Edberg, the graceful Swede whose game the young Federer so greatly admired growing up, was present. A friend with whom he has filmed mountain exploits in Switzerland, adventurer Bear Grylls, was also there.
The entire event has a feeling similar to Wintour’s magazine, which is very much in sync with the persona Federer has cultivated during his career.
The brand is very much of the premium variety, with ticket prices to match. It is sponsored by upscale businesses and promotes an upscale lifestyle, which is not wholly appropriate given the current economic climate.
Federer has always exuded elegance in both his tennis and appearance, and businesses have never been short of those wanting to be connected with him.
It was after 10:00 p.m. by the time they entered the strikingly black arena to a raucous standing ovation.
Andy Murray lost in a drawn-out singles match that, by the time it was over, gave the impression that the support act had been playing a bit too long before the main attraction.
Few players are more familiar with one another’s games than Federer and Nadal, who played together in the first Laver Cup.
Before forcing their first set point at 5-4, though, they had to save a break point. Federer’s forehand stroke proved to be too much for Sock to handle, as he volleyed into the net with a poor effort.
In the second set, Nadal’s serve was broken. The fact that he missed the volley from Sock’s return and his legs did not move in unison with his arms revealed that his partner’s mobility has decreased.
When Tiafoe was found to have twice hit a half-volley, they were able to come back, but in the ensuing tiebreak, the strong American pair won 7-2 after their blue wall at the net was breached.
The fact that most people stayed for the crucial “super” tiebreak, which started as the clock struck midnight, was a tribute to the event.
Early on, Sock gave the World side the lead with a remarkable reflex pick-up, but Federer tied it at 7-7 with a brilliant flicked volley cross court.
When Tiafoe netted, match point was reached. Naturally, the Swiss were the one to serve it out at 9-8, but he was left aimlessly flailing at a forehand.
The final point of Federer’s career saw him trade from the baseline before Sock won with a big forehand winner to take the lead after Tiafoe smashed a forehand return.
Federer was left alone to enjoy the steady applause as he accepted the well-deserved standing ovation at the conclusion.
Federer recalled that the idea of retiring had first entered his head in June 2021, so this evening had been a long time coming.
That occurred at Wimbledon, and the match now concludes in the city that has witnessed some of his best moments, as evidenced by his eight victories at SW19, the place he will always consider his home.
