ROGER FEDERER ended his career as a professional tennis player last night in a flood of tears – signing off with one outrageous trick shot.
One of the greatest sports stars who ever lived took off his bandana, zipped up his tennis bag and… walked away from the tram lines for the last time.
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In reality, although he ends the career with a defeat, the result was relatively incidental on this emotional party night for the boy from Basel.
For the record, the bromance pairing of Federer and Rafa Nadal wasted a match point when they were beaten 4-6 7-6 11-9 by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock on the opening night of the Laver Cup, which is led by his management team.
On this emotional party night, the result was relatively incidental and matters little in the grand scheme of things.
But in the first set, he produced a social media meme for all ages with an incredible half volley that saw the ball fly through a minuscule HOLE in the net.
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He could have tried it 99 times out of 100 and it still wouldn’t have worked the way it did.
Only a racket wizard like Federer could do such an incredible thing – even though it was labeled illegal by the referee and the point was replayed.
Although he ends up behind Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the big bet, that one moment summed up the greatness he possessed.
The ability to hit a target few can dream of, to bend the ball seemingly at its will.
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He definitely had the make head the competition rules bent to his liking for this doubles as technically he should have played at least one singles draw this weekend.
But his broken body, especially that battered right knee, kept him from working out his guts in a one-on-one fight.
Entertaining fun with good friend and great rival Nadal – the duo was nicknamed Fedal – was a much easier, less taxing way to go out.
As if to highlight his longevity in the sport, American opponent Frances Tiafoe was in diapers and Jack Sock was in grade school when Federer made his pro debut 24 years ago.
When the two sides – Team Europe and Team World – were introduced at the start of the evening session, there were no surprises that received the most cheers.
It only seemed fitting that Federer was allowed out last, and the standing ovation was a natural response from the 17,500-strong crowd.
It is perhaps fitting that London would be his last professional destination, a city that had seen its greatest hits, a record eight Wimbledon crowns.
Of course, the past few days have all been painstakingly choreographed and marketed to the cameras, especially since a documentary crew has been tracking his every move.
You can’t move around the O2 without bumping into a billboard promoting one of Federer’s many blue-chip sponsors.
But given his achievements in this sport, the standards he set, the joy he brought to millions with that one-handed backhand, he’s arguably earned the right to go out on his terms.
Although it was after 10pm when the draw finally started – Andy MurrayThe singles struggle kept everyone waiting – the demand to be here was huge with a number of tickets listed on resale sites for £55,000.
At times, the audience glimpsed the ancient magic of the aging maestro.
A lightning-fast volley on the net, which flew at 119 mph, expertly timed winners, the impeccable soft hands.
On other fleeting occasions, there was a reminder that even Federer is human, can make mistakes and can’t overcome Father Time.
Unlike the big rock stars who have performed at this venue, there is no encore from Federer.
After 24 years, 20 Slams, several knee surgeries and millions of memories, this really was it.
And just in time for everyone to take home the last Tube.
Murray may have failed to secure a win for Team Europe as he lost 5-7 6-3 10-7 to Team World’s Alex de Minaur.
But the Scot said the chance to play for Federer’s final – and receive coaching from the Big Three – will be regarded as a career highlight.
Murray 35, said: “It was unbelievable. One of the most special games I’ve played. Something I will remember for a long time.”