Roger Federer Reacts to Scenes From His Documentary | Federer: Twelve Final Days | Prime Video

Of course, it was more the hype around it that was freaking people out and I think in the eye of the storm, actually, I was feeling pretty good on the day of the game. Here we go. So I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. Finally, to the game of tennis, I love you and will never leave you. Hard way. Can't just go like this. Easy and simple. I don't know, it's kind of hard to watch it back because this is right after the moment where I hit send and the message goes out to the world. Obviously, I've been dealing with the message for quite a while, so it's a big relief in one way and on another. It's a very sad moment because it's now, I mean, of course, there's always a way back, but I knew that this was it. And I think it was especially hard as well for my parents who have supported me throughout. Same with my wife who's been there every step of the way. So I think just going, seeing that again in a way breaks my heart, but it's also very, very nice to see just to see how much it meant to everybody around me. But of course, me too, because it's supposed to be emotional. I mean, it's been an emotional rollercoaster for 25 years and more, even in the juniors, even more so. I was so emotional back then. Already playing tennis, winning and losing, so that it all ended there and it was nice and everybody was actually still happy and proud of my accomplishments. It was very nice to be surrounded by my closest. Representing Team Europe, please welcome Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Funny enough, I was pretty calm and composed before the match, because I think it comes with experience having played over 1,500 matches just on tour alone, not counting doubles, qualifying, challengers, satellites, juniors, everything. So you do it so many times that it's always the same process. Of course, this is going to be different, feel different, but yet it's like muscle memory. You know, every step of the way, you know what you're going to do, how it's going to feel. And funny enough, it's like almost a bit of a blur when I walked out on court, I guess. The ovation was loud and strong, but I actually don't remember it as now like overly loud or overly something. It was just, I knew that this was a stepping stone to the game, to then the end, you know, regardless if I was going to win or lose. And I just hope to compete well and play a decent match at a solid level. So of course, it was more the hype around it that was freaking people out. I think in the eye of the storm, actually, I was feeling pretty good on the day of the game. It was more like right after that everything got complicated for me emotionally. Thank you, fellas. My God, I thought I was not going to cry. Thank you. Okay. It's a stop. Imagine if you would have won the doubles. I don't know. Thank you for this really special moment. Thank you now for just being all here. I didn't know where to say goodbye. How? When? What? So at one point I thought I cannot just say goodbye and not be seen. I didn't know if I could play. I was on vacation. I couldn't play at all. I had so much knee pain. So I can't believe I was able to get through the match. It's hard to watch just because I don't really remember those words very much anymore. I remember speaking to the team right after, and it was nice to have those moments. And I just thought it was important for me to say a few words because it was very unique and it will never come back. So it's been fantastic. You guys have your own career, family and everything. I didn't mean to take any moments from you guys. And I'm happy we have two more days together. I'll be the pain in the ass that I am. Have a good time and I'll cheer you guys on. I think it will be a very strong insight into the locker room for people to see. And I think also the camaraderie we share as top players. It was very nice. Tune in to Federer only on Prime Video. Now I feel stressed. Big day. The only way they're going to get confirmation is from you. And they're going to get it today. Hopefully I will not be using those tissues. But I'm an emotional guy, so we'll never know. I am 41 years old. I've played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt. And now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career. What are we, 45 minutes away from posting? Every message now I'm like... Losing someone of Roger's magnitude will be tough. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. It's a sad day for tennis. But you know, Roger's legacy will live forever. That's for sure. I thought until this morning I had emotions in check. But I can feel it coming up. He will play the Labour Cup. That'll be his last match of his career. Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, they're all going to be there. Do know I will not have this feeling again. It's painful. A mountain of memories are flooding back to him right now. These are the nerves I'm going to miss once I'm officially retired. Finally, to the game of tennis, I love you and will never leave you.