Virat Kohli to Lionel Messi, athletes salute tennis 'legend' Roger Federer after Swiss star announces decision to retire

While all were waiting for his comeback to tennis after his injury and surgery, tennis legend and former world number one player Roger Federer took to social media to announce his decision to retire from the game after the Laver Cup 2022.

Federer, who has not played since July last year when he was knocked out of Wimbledon in the quarterfinals, shared a lengthy note talking about his retirement plans.

"Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I've met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today, I want to share some news with all of you", the Swiss master said.

While tennis stars around the globe came forward and spoke words of praise for the legend, athletes from cricket and football also came ahead speaking about what they felt about the retirement of one of the finest players.

Former India cricket team captain Virat Kohli, who had met the legendary Swiss star in 2019 during the Australian Open went ahead and dropped a comment on his retirement post on Instagram. 

He wrote, "The greatest of all time. King Roger" and also added a couple of heart emojis to his comment.

PSG star Lionel Messi too took to Instagram and wrote, "A genius, unique in the history of tennis and an example for any athlete. The best in your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the court making us enjoy".

German footballer Jerome Boateng also took to Twitter and called Federer the definition of a GOAT.

"Thanks for all the moments and memories and what you did for Tennis over the last two decades and more. Another definition of GOAT. Looking forward to seeing you one last time @LaverCup @rogerfederer," he wrote.

Talking about Federer's illustrious career, he won his first grand slam in 2003 with the prestigious Wimbledon title. He later went on to win 6 Australian Opens, 1 French Open, 8 Wimbledon and 5 US Open titles.