Serena Williams was one of many people to pay tribute to Roger Federer after his retirement from tennis.
Williams once regarded Federer as the greatest of all time when asked about this topic in 2021.
The two multiple-time Grand Slam champions competed alongside one another for many years, with Williams and Federer bonding over their successes.
Federer retired from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup, and Williams was one of many to send a message to the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
What Serena Williams messaged Roger Federer when he retired from tennis
Federer played his last ever match alongside Rafael Nadal in doubles at the 2022 Laver Cup in what was a very emotional farewell for the Swiss.
After his 24-year career officially came to an end, the messages came flooding in for Federer, including from Williams.
Showing how much of an impact Federer had on both her and tennis as a whole, Williams made a specific Instagram post to pay tribute to him.
She wrote, “I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly done, just like your career.
“I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club.”
Federer once played against Williams in a doubles match, and he referenced this in his reply in the comments.
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Did Roger Federer send Serena Williams a message when she retired?
Federer’s farewell came just three weeks after the 2022 US Open, where Williams retired from tennis after losing in the third round.
Just like Williams, Federer sent a message to his fellow tennis great in a video posted by the ATP Tour on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In this video, Federer said, “Hey Serena, it’s Roger here. I wanted to congratulate you for a most incredible career. You know what you have achieved.
“I know what you have done and you know what it is, it’s just beyond incredible. It’s probably with mixed feelings that you’re leaving this wonderful sport that has given you everything and more.
“I wish you all the best with your family. All the best to your fans who I’m sure are going to miss you very dearly, and I am one of them.”
Despite seemingly playing her final match over three years ago, there have been rumours that Williams could make a shock return to tennis after she appears to have re-entered the drug testing pool.
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There appears to be no plans for Federer to do this, but he has recently suggested that he could return to court in another way.
Federer has recently hinted at an exhibition tour with Nadal, who himself retired from tennis in 2024 at the Davis Cup Finals.
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