Del Potro, Shapovalov and others pay tribute to Federer following retirement announcement

Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis today as his body can't keep up with the necessary physicality of the game.

Federer tried to overcome his knee problems but after a recent setback, it became clear that it was not going to happen the way he wants it to. Quickly after the news came down, tributes started flooding in and one of the first ones was Juan Martin Del Potro, a player who knows the pain behind a knee injury that ends careers.

Del Potro wrote:

“I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you.”

Shapovalov added:

"A role model for me and so many others!! Thanks for everything Roger 🙏🏼 It’s been a privilege to share the court with you!!"

Alcaraz simply posted a broken heart emoji on social media while Roddick wrote:

"Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don’t be a stranger."

Others who paid tributes include Navratilova, Pegula, Isner, Rod Laver and Billie Jean King. Many more are coming in the next few days as well.