"We are tennis players, we are gladiators, we are competitors, but we are people also" - Robredo on Federer retiring from tennis

Roger Federer retired last Friday in London after playing his final match at the Laver Cup and for Robredo, it was a beautiful moment to watch.

Just like millions around the world, the former Spanish player tuned in to watch the final match of Federer's career. It was a doubles match with his fiercest rival Rafael Nadal and both of them were very emotional during the ceremony after.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Robredo said:

“They were fighting to become the best of all time. Obviously one wanted to beat the other but it also means you are together a lot of time, sharing a lot of moments in the locker room after the final and before the final."

He added:

"We are tennis players, we are gladiators, we are competitors, but we are people also. When you see that your toughest opponent is finishing, it’s a sad moment and also you realise that this moment is going to come in your life as well. It’s a like watching a beautiful moment in a movie that makes you cry. So Federer leaving tennis is like the end of a movie, so a lot of people cried, a lot of people are sad. But this is life."