Laver Cup: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal lose their final doubles match

In his final match, he lost to Frances Tiafoe and Team World's Jack Sock 4-6 and 7-6. "It was a perfect journey," Federer said. "I would do it all again."

After the match ended, Federer hugged Nadal, Tiafoe and then Sock and said "thank you." The match lasted for more than two hours and ended around 12:30 p.m.

The Swiss legend confirmed last week that the three-day team event, initiated by his management company, will be his last tournament before retirement. 

He underwent knee surgery, the last of three operations after losing in the Wimbledon quarterfinals in July 2021, which closed the curtain on his singles career. 

"For me personally, it was sad in the first moment when I came to the conclusion that it was the best decision," Federer said. 

Federer's 117 mph service winner to end the third game brought the crowd to its feet. "Obviously 99.9 percent of the crowd was against us. But it was huge fun to be part of that match. I think we will be forever grateful that we got to be a part of that final on GOAT," Sock said. 

Since doubles matches require less movement and court coverage, Federer decided to play a two-on-two match with Nadal. 

Federer's legacy

In the first set, the older duo struggled with communication issues, so Federer went to the baseline to consult with his partner. Before the Federer era, the record for most Grand Slam titles was held by Pete Sampras. 

The Swiss legend won eight titles at Wimbledon, six at the Australian Open, five at the U.S. Open and one at the French Open before being overtaken by Nadal and Serbia's Novak Djokovic. 

Federer's farewell follows that of Serena Williams, who holds the record of 23 major titles won. The day's other matches ended in a 2:2 tie between Team Europe and Team World.

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-2, 6-1 in a match that was interrupted by an environmentalist who set fire to part of the court and his arm. 

Alex de Minaur beat Andy Murray 5-7, 6-3, 10-7. At the peak of his career, Federer appeared in 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, winning eight of them.

From 2005 to 2010, he appeared in 18 of 19 major finals. Aside from his stunning records, he will be remembered for his on-court elegance, powerful forehand, electrifying one-handed backhand, and impeccable footwork.

Aside from his game, his personality made him an idol and ambassador of tennis to millions of people.