Federer Retires, Messi Praises Swiss Tennis legend As 'A Genius'

Roger Federer (Instagram.con/@leomessi)

JAKARTA - Paris Saint-Germain star player Lionel Messi has reacted to Roger Federer's decision to retire. According to Messi, Federer is an example of an athlete who can be considered a genius.

Federer decided to hang up his racket after appearing in the 2022 Laver Cup. This decision was taken by the 41-year-old due to a knee injury that has hampered his career for the past few years.

Federer's decision was quite surprising to many fans including Messi who started tennis. However, Messi still respects Federer's decision.

The Argentine footballer even gave appreciation for Federer's performance so far. Messi said the Swiss tennis player is a genius athlete, unique in the history of tennis that makes him an example for all athletes.

La Pulga did not even hesitate to admit that Federer's decision to retire will make him miss his idol's action on the tennis court.

“A genius, unique in tennis history, and an example for every athlete. The best on your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the pitch making us enjoy, @rogerfederer," Messi wrote on Instagram.

Before retirement really comes, Federer will play his final match in the 2022 Laver Cup. In this tournament, Federer will enter a European team that also includes Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andy Murray, and the new number one, Casper Ruud.

Throughout his 24-year career as a tennis player, Federer has gone through 1,500 matches with 1,251 wins. He has also won 103 trophies, including 20 Grand Slam titles and six Tour Finals titles.

In addition, Federer has also been ranked number one in the world for 237 consecutive weeks. The records are from February 2, 2004, to August 18, 2008.