"When you see grown guys tearing up like kids, it just proves how much tennis meant to him" - Auger-Aliassime on Federer's emotional exit

Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime recently shared his thoughts on the night Roger Federer played his farewell match and sobbed with rival and friend Rafael Nadal before retiring from professional tennis.

Auger-Aliassime witnessed an emotional night at the 2022 Laver Cup where fellow players and fans all across the globe saw Federer swing his racket for the final time in a professional match, bidding adieu to the sport after 24 years.

Speaking to ATPTour.com recently, the Canadian expressed how blue it was to see Federer leave, even if the night also marked a celebration of his illustrious career. He thanked and wished the 20-time Grand Slam champion for all his achievements and stated how excited he is for the next chapter of the Swiss maestro's life.

"It was sad in a way to see him go but, on the other hand, it was a celebration of his career,” Auger-Aliassime said. “How much he’s impacted the world of sports and just to thank him in the end for everything he did. It’s good to know that he’ll be around. I’m really looking forward to his next chapter.”

Being the next generation in tennis, Felix Auger-Aliassime appreciated how these grown-up players teared-up like kids, which only showcased how much tennis meant to them in their life.

“I think they really did an amazing job of creating a great night of tennis – the speeches, the videos, the singing with the families,” recalled the World No.13. “It made it a very emotional night. When you see grown guys tearing up, like kids, without control it just proves how much tennis meant to him, how much he’s going to miss it.”