"Forever grateful" - Stan Wawrinka to Roger Federer after his retirement news

Stan Wawrinka played Roger Federer 26 times and won only three times but the Swiss will always be grateful for his compatriot.

They shared some intense battles on the court but also some moments of joy. The duo won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics for Switzerland in doubles and that remains the only gold medal Federer ever won at the Olympics.

Wawrinka first reacted with shock on social media when he heard the news tweeting a response filled with only emojis. Later on, he took a moment to properly pay tribute to Federer by writing a short message on Instagram.

He wrote:

"Thank you my friend for everything you have done for me over the years! It was a true honor to share the court against you but it was even more special to be in the same team as you!Forever grateful for all the memories on and off the court. Tennis will never be the same without you. Enjoy the next chapter in your life with your beautiful family"Fe