This makes feel so much sadder than I thought it would. As a fan of rafa, I was always rooting against federer when they faced off and I truly believe rafa was the better player. However, I was amazed by roger's elegance and might. I think that forehand was the greatest shot that tennis may have ever seen. His grace off the court was unequalled as well. I'm truly going to miss him on the tennis court and I will enjoy as much of rafa and novak as I can with the time they have left. An era with the top three greatest players to have ever played in their prime fighting for the top titles has just officially ended and may never happen again in any sport.
Took the words out of my mouth. As a Rafa fan I have always cheered against Fed, I am today however guttered by this news. Thanks for the matches Rog, you will be missed!
I have been wanting the big 3 era to end and tennis is in great hands with the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz as the next great champion - I truly believe he can achieve the greatness of the big 3 in time. I am hoping for Roger's last match to be a doubles match with his greatest rival Rafael Nadal! That would be so awesome! So looking forward to Laver Cup!
As a huge Federer fan, but also have great respect for Rafa and Nole...It is so lovely to read so many respectful, intelligent, and well thought out comments about Roger...you can read so many awful comments from fans of one or the other of these three titans on other comment boards.... thank you all for being true fans and showing the class that these three great champions have offered each other and us for so many years. Love you, Roger; thank you for making me love this beautiful sport again, my heart is heavy, and you will be missed beyond measure.
I can't handle this situation. It is a monumental change in tennis history even though Roger has be gone for some time now. People have talked about that since probably 2010. Roger held up many more years and obliterated every record imaginable. He opened the door for Rafa and Nole, they chased him, they overtook him, but he is the stem, the tree of the big three grew from. They will remain the big 3 forever! Two Queens are gone, but the loss of the old King of tennis shakes me the most.
Two thoughts ran through my head when I saw Rogers tweet this morning. 1. I’ve never seen him play live and will now never will be. That brought me sadness. 2. That I’m gonna get an episode of this podcast to discuss and celebrate Roger. That brought me happiness !
@@amylundy8664 hey lund atleast now take roger out and name big 2. I know silly gilly doesn't agree but feed him bagels he likes it as he is a chocosquirrel
As soon as it has been announced that Djokovic, Nadal and Murray would play along Federer at the Laver cup it was a kind of a clue that retirement is on cards
As a Nadal fan, its a really sad day. There is no "Big 3" without Federer.. He was the big one and only one from 2003-2008 and looked like he would be the undisputed GOAT in mens tennis. Then Nadal defeated him in French Open, Wimbeldon, Australian Open finals back to back and showed Federer is mortal and it became the big 2 which defined the best rivalry tennis has seen. Federer-Nadal saved tennis and improved its popularity throughout the whole world. And obviously in the past decade Novak has come up to their stature and it has become big 3. But Federer started it all IMO- The reason for the big 3.. so thanks Roger
I like how you so tamely put in the past decade (2010-2022) Djokovic skyrockets and overtakes Roger :). I can't believe that Novak won more GS from 2010-2022 than Roger and Nadal combined. That is INSANE to think about!!
I think Federer's legacy can be summed into three key things: 1- His skillset, his talent, the way he was technically gifted and could hit any shot you could think of even if it was very difficult, and in the process made it look simple and effortless, without the impression that it was hard work for him. 2- His remarkable levels of success. The amount of things he won and his longevity. He almost won a GS at the age of 38, 16 years later than his first, that's remarkable. 23 GS semifinals in a row. How many weeks he remained at #1, etc. 3- His personality. His charisma. His easy going and joyful demeanor. He loved and respected both the sport and his opponents. He was very competitive and hated losing, but he took everything in stride without going to the extremes. He never even retired from a single match. That's what makes him such a sporting icon. #RForever
Wimbledon Final 2019 😞 what a way it could have ended and what a ride it has been, grateful to have seen him play live 3 times up close. It's been a privilege it really has. The king is dead, long live the king. Thanks Rog 🎾
I got into tennis in the 2011 season when watching the Roger’s FO semi with Nole. I was so drawn to his style of tennis, the elegance, the creativity, the nonchalance. I’ve watched 90% of his matches live since 2011. I’ve seemingly seen all of his highlights compilation videos on RUclips. I have experienced joy, and heartbreak. I’ve learnt to process feelings. I started to appreciate the fight amongst tennis players. I began learning and appreciating the history of tennis in the open era. I’ve learnt to respect his competitors - RAFA and NOVAK and everyone else. I’ve begun to appreciate the effort and talent it takes to play the game. I am now a fan of Rafa because of Roger. I respect Novak for his fight. I am now following tennis regularly, including the women’s game occasionally. It all started with Roger and his artistry. Thank you Roger!
For me, as someone who started to watch tennis in 2003, this is a train of emotions. I mean, GOD! he made it look so easy, just winning everything everytime. The love he showed for the game is unique, is total, absolute, pure and joyfull. I hope he plays some matches here and there, and i´m so thankful that i have witnessed almost his entire career, for sure is one of the things for what i´m thankful of being alive in this period of time.
Thank you so much, Gill, Amy and Joel. Thank you so much for talking about this and for all your remarkable words regarding Roger. I feel that a part of me is not gonna be the same again after this announcement. I knew it was coming, but that didn't make the hit less painful. My first tennis Idol was Pete Sampras when I was a kid, but Roger took it on a whole new different level for me. I've spend more than half my life watching him play, not missing any of his matches since 2004. More than half my life I watched Roger play, which is why this is very sad. Tennis, in some way, will never be the same without him, at least for me. I love your show and yes, it's the 3 of you. So keep it in the same format, name and everything.
I feel very similar as well. I started watching tennis, because of Roger Federer, seeing him just dissecting his opponent on TV for the first time, but also done so so effortlessly (at least looks like it), I was just mind blown thinking Oh I didn't know tennis can be played this way and this exciting wow.". Now that he's retiring, it's almost like the very original purpose of watching tennis is gone now, and its just so painful. At least we have youtube and can rewatch all those incredible matches and points Roger played.
@@jacintacesp To be honest, when i was a kid i always rooted for Monica Seles then then the stabbing happened. I only appreciated Stefi more as I got further into my teens.
Thank you Federer for the memories and for the huge impact you have had on me Praise him, respect him BUT DO NOT disrespect others by blindly worshipping him (federer fan 2004) (Best fed match uso final 2005)
I'm so tired of this narrative of Federer being peRFect, the classiest, the smoothest, the most aesthetic, never ever doing anything wrong. He was like a golden boy, then a god even who never got a bad press, a person with constantly highlighted only amazing thing he's done, everything 'wrong' or inappropriate was always omitted and forgotten, quite the opposite to other sport stars over the years, huh. Don't get me wrong, he was great, I really do appreciate him as an athlete, his achievements are absolutely extraordinary but I always considered this whole narrative and even fetishism around him unhealthy and exaggerated, in the end he was a human being like any other, and surely he wasn’t perfect. That being said, I'm sad that this day of his retirement had to come. I’m not gonna lie, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of his, but the memory that always comes to my mind while talking about Federer is THAT point in the 5th set vs. Nadal, Australian Open 2017, I think the forehand winner that gave him a break point. Legend. And his laugh is super contagious!
This is a historic moment in tennis- I’m a huge Djokovic fan but I have to say that Roger did a lot for tennis than any other legend. Thank you legend !. Happy retirement!
Of late, Roger AND Nadal especially, have become, rightly or wrongly - the tennis Establishment themselves, and as such, have done much Damage to their lower-ranked fellow players - both financially and in terms of diminishing the lower ranked players' Influence on their sport into Insignificance! I'd say they HARMED tennis - rather than benefiting it!! However, IF you are speaking of the novel... way Roger has been playing tennis, I am in complete agreement.
I am a huge Rafa fan, and I can’t stopped the tears. A huge idol, rival and part of my childhood, teen, young adult and adult years has called it a career. Thank you for the memories, the epic matches, the times I rooted against you and all the time you broke my heart. I honestly can’t think of any other word to describe him but GOAT. Thank you, maestro RF❤
Makes me cry to hear through it. Lifetime federer fan, it’s painful and end if an era. Kinda hard for the last few years already him not playing but retirement statement just killed me :(
Joel, to your question about whether or not 100k people would pitch up to watch Roger play I would to add that I live in Cape Town and attended that epic match in the Cape Town stadium. Prior to purchasing tickets online when the booking opened we had to register on the website. The tickets disappeared in under 10 minutes and the unlucky fans begged him to play a second match but they opted against so as to keep it unique as Roger stated in the documentary that was done for the event. Tony Godsick revealed in the same show that 250k people registered before tickets sales opened. He called Roger at the time to tell him and he was in shock as he had no idea what numbers the should anticipate in CT.
Great show. Sad day for tennis fans to be sure. I never thought we'd see him again in the 2nd week of a GS anyway, but very much wanted him to be present at more tournaments going forward. Sounds very much like the right decision for him and that he is at peace with it. I think the Laver Cup will be a massive hit this year to say the least.
Bio-mechanics of the human system and the demand of elite professional tennis players on their bodies I'm sure depends on the individual system, is DAUNTING to say the least. So, given the fact that he came back and then needed more medical procedures speak to the fact that the body did not BOUNCE BACK as it needed to for this elite level of demand on it. That said. A LEGEND. A GOAT. A superb person and ambassador for Tennis. As Amy & Gill shared, the idea that Wimbeldon-21 would have been his swan song of competitive performance. Serena & Roger weeks apart on their announcements is very profetic. Roger's game and play and competitive spirit and humor and elegance of play along with his aggresive tempo and sheer excellence speak for themselves. As Joel intimated, he is the Barishnikov of Tennis and also equally raised Tennis interest the way Barishnikov did for Ballet. Thanks, Amy, Gill & Joel. It will still be THREE but with a little asterix :) Best, Milan
I suspect that Barishnikov's popularity in the West... might've only taken off BECAUSE he was a dissident from an enemy land! Meaning - it was Politicised..., sadly! Similarly, Roger's Huge tennis talent... combined with his talent for self promotion, his great PR machine... would like us to think of him as a great human being also.... which he most certainly was Not, IMO. Quite often he would be petty, bad sport, quarrelsome, bitchy, Beastly even... Arrogant, DIVA-like etc. Those are Not some negligible shortcomings! Also, Roger AND Nadal, of late, have become the tennis Establishment themselves, and as such - have done much Damage to their lower ranked tennis players, both financially and in terms of diminishing their influence on the sport... into insignificance! Now, THAT is something... which is IMPOSSIBLE to take lightly and... gloss over! It is safe to say that Roger's Enormous tennis talent - far Encompasses Roger as a person! And therefore - it is Roger's 🎾 Tennis talent, elegance and proficiency... that I will remember him for. Please, leave the yarn... about the tennis Ambassadorship... to the one(s) who really Deserve(s) it!
@@stevelily1763 With all due respect and appreciation...Mine, like yours, is just a particular perspective and vantage point. No more and no less valid. Of course, taken in its fullest context, the metaphoric reference has many sides. That being said, Barishnikov was an excellent artist at the Bolshoi as at the Met and other places after his defecttion. So, everything, including our own personal opinions and pespectives have their own weight and emphasis. You have yours. I have mine. And everybody else has theirs respectively. If you don't like the "yarn" so be it. I do like the yarn. To each his own. I'll take the yarn and spin it. If you don't like it - that's good too. No need to preach and teach to others from your own vantage point. It's pointless. You are entitled to your opinion and have stated it. Others like myself have our own take on it. Take the yarn and spin it or don't. But be mindful of telling others what they should and should not do. Leave the teaching and preaching aside and write your own version. If you don't like the yarn, then don't weave it. I like it so I will keep weaving :) Best, Milan.
Gill's favourite 'personal' Federer moment speaks of the genius alright but also of Gill's absorption and appreciation of the game as a young lad. Little wonder then that Gill has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis commentary. Good news when it comes to Novak whose uncle apparently says Novak will be around for the next 5-6 years (without interruptions hopefully). Life cannot be kinder.
For me, Federer was the one that got me into watching and even just learning what the game is about in the first place. Yes, we can all go to the stats and compare the number of slams and how many titles, etc, and then you can argue Nadal or Djokovic won more, but there's just a special place for the person that brought you into the sport and actually got interested in tennis in the first place. And for me, and probably a lot others, that's Roger Federer.
I have watched tennis since the Borg snd McEnroe days and think the debate of who is the goat is useless. Records are there to be broken and there will always be improvements in racket technology and understanding of human physiology. But Roger will definitely be remembered as one of the most beautiful and valued tennis player. Just like how I truly missed McEnroe and Edberg, Roger will be missed.
I know Roger is not dead, but it sure feels like it! I knew this day was coming, but I didn't want it to be like this. I wanted him to go out on his terms. But, as it always is with life, things don't work out the way we always want. There's a huge empty feeling inside. It does feel like a loved-one has moved on! Thanks for everything Roger!
I've always rooted against Federer - from the time I was little. My formative tennis years were watching him crush players I was rooting for like Agassi and Roddick. And it was the sheer spectacle that domination which made it so exhilarating to see Nadal and Djokovic respectively eclipse him. But another part of me as a fan will also always wish I could have seen Federer with his backhand from the end of his career and the speed and explosiveness of his youth. That player would not have been eclipsed by Rafa and Djokovic.
Sigh.It's finally happened. Apparently Roger was having some issues re-strengthening his knee, he was getting fluid buildup and it was screwing things up for him. I guess the knee was worse than anyone realised. He's been my favourite player for over a decade, I saw him live maybe 4-5 times at the AO (I'm an Aussie)... sometimes practicing, sometimes playing a match. I'm really proud to be able to say that I saw him during his last Slam win, 2018 AO when he played Struff in Rd2. I said to my gf at the time "he's like a ballet dancer out there. So graceful, so effortless". I'm also old enough to have watched the Sampas-Fed match that Joel mentioned, Fed win his first Slam against Phillipoussis, and also Fed at his peak in 2005-6. He was literally untouchable - I've never seen anyone be so dominant; and that includes 2007-2013 Rafa at RG (obviously excluding 2009), and Novak 2011 and 2015. All very special years... but Roger's 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons were almost.... to quote the brand name..... peRFect. He really was something extremely special and unique, and to me, he was my GOAT. We'll never see another like him.
Nole fan ... Miss u roger 🥺 Yes.. Value of someone will be known when they leave and retirement news struck me hard 😔 Thx 🙏 good luck for future 👍and miss u champ ! 🥺😔
Saw Federer play at Indian Wells a few times- Rafa's my guy, but it was such a treat to watch the effortless artisty of Federer on court, with no sweat indeed, as Joel mentions.
I hope you guys talk about the 'Federer Paradox" in one of your future episodes. He is the player who has lost the most matches despite winning more points/games than his opponent. He has also lost 6 matches in GS after being on Match Point - Wimbly Final 2019, Wimbly QF 2018, US Open 2010 SF , US Open 2011 SF , AO 2002 R2 and AO 2005 SF.
I truly believe Roger is an awesome player. But his greatness has been artificially made greater than he is by the media and his own publicist. He is good, but not the “godish “ media tries so hard to manifest. Look into the H2H Nadal vs Federer. Look into the three Wimbledon final’s against Djokovic: underpressure he falls apart when he is facing an honest tough opponent. Back in the 2003-2008 his opponets where Hewitt, old Sampras, Roddick, Safin, Söderling. Means he beat good players, but not the best. I just read a shocking statistic: look into it. 2003-2008 Federer’s opponets had a winning percentage lesser than 70%, excepto for Nadal. Nadal’s and Djokovic ‘s opponets in both his most important years: say 2010, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2022… have/ had a winning percentage above 70%. Means Roger’s opponets we’re good. Nadal’s and Djokovic’s are/ were excellent.
Gill, that Dabul tweener is all over YT Best Shots of Federer, and indeed of All Time. Raz Ols is The Man, but other too. We've seen it a million times, and yes it was even better than the Djoko one. It has had a vast audience beyond your USO R1 😁.
one difference between the big 3 that : always novak and federer play at their highest level ( so calm , so focus ,so cold ,so solid ) nadal on other hand ,, is more sensitive to the conditions around him ( nervous ,,, enthusiastic ,,,,ups and downs ,momentary loss focus ) but he is the best , his high level better on every surface .
I am Nadal fan but i love Roger and Novak, because this 3 tennis players are so good in my favorit sport maybe this is strange because we in Europe love football by far but for me always was tennis than football and so many others sports
Thank you for the memories Roger and the artistry which you brought to the game. I would have loved to see one final Wimby run, but unfortunately father time had other plans. Certainly the best pure tennis player of the big 3. His historic matches vs his biggest rivals, whether win or lose, were historic masterpieces that could have gone either way. Despite getting owned by Nadal during the early part of their rivalry, everybody knows that Federer was the much better player. Had Fed changed rackets earlier, he would have won the head to head vs the Spaniard, had the slam lead and been far and away the goat.Twilight Federer 7-1 vs a 6 years younger Nadal says it all.
One Legend down, 2 to go. Tennis is slowly dieing. Will Never have 3 legends of this magnitude in one era. Damn . RIP🎾( ps im not talking about the three of you legends😉)
Hope he does a Andy Murray! And hope for a miracle 🙏 like his knee healing fully too still play!) And if not he has twin boys! And twin girls... if he is physically better then in 021 and still made the last 16 of Wimbledon then I believe he could still compete.. man I wish he could play just one more season 😪
No doubt Roger laid the foundation for this Big 3 era. As a Novak fan, it's painful to see Federer retirement, because we know this will be eventually Nole. A great deal of respect for Roger. GReat athlete. As always, great episode guys. A new era begins, and I'm pumped to see what happens next.
Amy, Davis Cup is a real event, but really just for fun... Also, it took him over a year to accept it... Just accept what Gill said, you were wrong. Lastly, it was essentially a farewell tour...
I wasn't a fan of RF and actually didn't care much for him. But I feel sad and I will miss him :( Good luck Roger- and hope you have an equally fulfilling life ahead! Thank you for many memorable matches :)
Me too. His gamesmanship against Novak turned me off over their rivalry. The saltiness of Roger's post game conference at USO 2010 or 2011 where he said players like Novak just shut their eyes and slap the ball back at 15/40. Novak has patented the 15/40 Meme for Roger!
Federer was an incredible improviser on court & could anticipate very well which left many an opponent looking on in disbelief. This definitely added to the mental difficulties of those who knew they had to face him in the future. There were only a few who could overcome this (the other 2). Kyrgios had him pegged when he said Roger was the hardest to play against because he makes you feel like you shouldn't be on the court playing him. He makes you feel like you're nothing. But Federer also was one of the worst losers in the sport. Not gracious at all, at least for most of his career. Stakhovsky - Wimbledon as one example. Tears when losing at other times. He wore a mask for the public, which only occasionally slipped to show his true inner being. Tennis at this level is also big business, just like all other so called professional sports.
Laver Cup is the perfect ending for him. Because it's rather a friendly spectacular. It's a perfect ceremony. He will have to wear a burka I'm afraid 😊
I like what Joel Drucker says this show is about 3 😂, three of us. Federer is great and his legacy will live on, but as show must go on, I would suggest to replace Roger with Carlitos Alcaraz as he's definitely On, and he is going to challenge Novak and Rafa and rest of the tour.
Maybe, maybe..I'm gonna try and like him now....I'm protective of Nole. What I didn't like with Roger is, you will never hear him come out and express himself on an issue facing tennis at any time. I looked at it ..as him being so protective of his legacy..not impressed.
For the record SA was just under 52000 And of course Roger could fill 100,000 seats - against a worthy opponent. He filled 45000 in Mexico playing Zverev, and not one of them was there for Sascha.
When someone asks me, "Where were you and what were you doing when you heard that RF is retiring?" I can proudly say that I was reading a reply to one of your comments from an episode of MMA (Gill and Steve) and the person replying said that RF had retired which immediately sent me to Google and later Twitter. Not a bad thing to be doing considering what a massive Fed fan you are.
Will you be renaming the show "Two"??? We all knew this was coming and this is not at all surprising. He was never a favorite of mine - Rafa was and Carlos is now - but his finesse was the thing I was always most impressed with in his tennis. I don't know what will happen with Laver Cup but I would LOVE for Roger to play doubles with Rafa as his final match! The two of them have had the most amazing rivalry in men's tennis history! Rafa was so incredibly gracious in his response to Roger's announcement. Laver Cup will be a farewell to Roger and I will be watching every moment of it. I wish him well in whatever he decides to do in the future !
seriously , sad day for everybody who understand tennis swiss lost its most famous land mark ,federer now , you have to add someone to the other two how about adding zverev (😂😂😁) , because he is the one who predicted new big 3
This makes feel so much sadder than I thought it would. As a fan of rafa, I was always rooting against federer when they faced off and I truly believe rafa was the better player. However, I was amazed by roger's elegance and might. I think that forehand was the greatest shot that tennis may have ever seen. His grace off the court was unequalled as well. I'm truly going to miss him on the tennis court and I will enjoy as much of rafa and novak as I can with the time they have left. An era with the top three greatest players to have ever played in their prime fighting for the top titles has just officially ended and may never happen again in any sport.
Took the words out of my mouth. As a Rafa fan I have always cheered against Fed, I am today however guttered by this news. Thanks for the matches Rog, you will be missed!
@@krishay123 sorely missed- the end of an Era 😕
I have been wanting the big 3 era to end and tennis is in great hands with the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz as the next great champion - I truly believe he can achieve the greatness of the big 3 in time.
I am hoping for Roger's last match to be a doubles match with his greatest rival Rafael Nadal! That would be so awesome! So looking forward to Laver Cup!
@@freemangriffin4953 me too !
I feel exactly the same….misty eyed,,but like all of us,we love what we have been the privilege to witness and be thrilled by this last 20 plus years!
As a huge Federer fan, but also have great respect for Rafa and Nole...It is so lovely to read so many respectful, intelligent, and well thought out comments about Roger...you can read so many awful comments from fans of one or the other of these three titans on other comment boards.... thank you all for being true fans and showing the class that these three great champions have offered each other and us for so many years. Love you, Roger; thank you for making me love this beautiful sport again, my heart is heavy, and you will be missed beyond measure.
I can't handle this situation. It is a monumental change in tennis history even though Roger has be gone for some time now.
People have talked about that since probably 2010. Roger held up many more years and obliterated every record imaginable. He opened the door for Rafa and Nole, they chased him, they overtook him, but he is the stem, the tree of the big three grew from.
They will remain the big 3 forever!
Two Queens are gone, but the loss of the old King of tennis shakes me the most.
Two thoughts ran through my head when I saw Rogers tweet this morning.
1. I’ve never seen him play live and will now never will be. That brought me sadness.
2. That I’m gonna get an episode of this podcast to discuss and celebrate Roger. That brought me happiness !
This will be the last episode of roger.
They are replacing roger with carlos in three.
@@chocosquirrel3319 lol
Thanks to you 🙏🏻
You might still see him play live someday
@@amylundy8664 hey lund atleast now take roger out and name big 2.
I know silly gilly doesn't agree but feed him bagels he likes it as he is a chocosquirrel
@@amylundy8664 for sure I have to, even if it’s an over priced exhibition match. I owe it to myself hahaha
As soon as it has been announced that Djokovic, Nadal and Murray would play along Federer at the Laver cup it was a kind of a clue that retirement is on cards
The big 4 era really was a magical time to witness
I knew it ,too! I also agree with Amy that being on court for the last time with his biggest rivals, was the best send-off for Roger!
As a Nadal fan, its a really sad day. There is no "Big 3" without Federer.. He was the big one and only one from 2003-2008 and looked like he would be the undisputed GOAT in mens tennis.
Then Nadal defeated him in French Open, Wimbeldon, Australian Open finals back to back and showed Federer is mortal and it became the big 2 which defined the best rivalry tennis has seen.
Federer-Nadal saved tennis and improved its popularity throughout the whole world.
And obviously in the past decade Novak has come up to their stature and it has become big 3.
But Federer started it all IMO- The reason for the big 3..
so thanks Roger
I like how you so tamely put in the past decade (2010-2022) Djokovic skyrockets and overtakes Roger :). I can't believe that Novak won more GS from 2010-2022 than Roger and Nadal combined. That is INSANE to think about!!
Classy. Thank you 👏👏
@@sonicmoj1 yes I can't believe rafa missed more gs than novak won from 2010 to 2022 and still is leading in gs tally that's insane
@@sonicmoj1 not really that crazy considering nadals injuries and geriatric federer
@@chocosquirrel3319 I can't believe Novak is only 1 behind Nadal when he was denied to participate in 2 GS this year.
I think Federer's legacy can be summed into three key things:
1- His skillset, his talent, the way he was technically gifted and could hit any shot you could think of even if it was very difficult, and in the process made it look simple and effortless, without the impression that it was hard work for him.
2- His remarkable levels of success. The amount of things he won and his longevity. He almost won a GS at the age of 38, 16 years later than his first, that's remarkable. 23 GS semifinals in a row. How many weeks he remained at #1, etc.
3- His personality. His charisma. His easy going and joyful demeanor. He loved and respected both the sport and his opponents. He was very competitive and hated losing, but he took everything in stride without going to the extremes. He never even retired from a single match.
That's what makes him such a sporting icon. #RForever
Good recap 👏👏
The sweetness of friendship. Roger: "Maybe I can play doubles with Rafa, that would be an absolute dream." 'Fedal' is a timeless joy, real, human.
The bridge between classical and modern tennis. Once in a lifetime talent .
Wimbledon Final 2019 😞 what a way it could have ended and what a ride it has been, grateful to have seen him play live 3 times up close. It's been a privilege it really has. The king is dead, long live the king. Thanks Rog 🎾
I got into tennis in the 2011 season when watching the Roger’s FO semi with Nole. I was so drawn to his style of tennis, the elegance, the creativity, the nonchalance. I’ve watched 90% of his matches live since 2011. I’ve seemingly seen all of his highlights compilation videos on RUclips.
I have experienced joy, and heartbreak. I’ve learnt to process feelings. I started to appreciate the fight amongst tennis players. I began learning and appreciating the history of tennis in the open era. I’ve learnt to respect his competitors - RAFA and NOVAK and everyone else. I’ve begun to appreciate the effort and talent it takes to play the game. I am now a fan of Rafa because of Roger. I respect Novak for his fight.
I am now following tennis regularly, including the women’s game occasionally. It all started with Roger and his artistry. Thank you Roger!
Well said. Nice comments 🙏🏻
For me, as someone who started to watch tennis in 2003, this is a train of emotions. I mean, GOD! he made it look so easy, just winning everything everytime. The love he showed for the game is unique, is total, absolute, pure and joyfull. I hope he plays some matches here and there, and i´m so thankful that i have witnessed almost his entire career, for sure is one of the things for what i´m thankful of being alive in this period of time.
Thank you so much, Gill, Amy and Joel. Thank you so much for talking about this and for all your remarkable words regarding Roger. I feel that a part of me is not gonna be the same again after this announcement. I knew it was coming, but that didn't make the hit less painful. My first tennis Idol was Pete Sampras when I was a kid, but Roger took it on a whole new different level for me. I've spend more than half my life watching him play, not missing any of his matches since 2004. More than half my life I watched Roger play, which is why this is very sad. Tennis, in some way, will never be the same without him, at least for me. I love your show and yes, it's the 3 of you. So keep it in the same format, name and everything.
I feel very similar as well. I started watching tennis, because of Roger Federer, seeing him just dissecting his opponent on TV for the first time, but also done so so effortlessly (at least looks like it), I was just mind blown thinking Oh I didn't know tennis can be played this way and this exciting wow.". Now that he's retiring, it's almost like the very original purpose of watching tennis is gone now, and its just so painful. At least we have youtube and can rewatch all those incredible matches and points Roger played.
Thanks Andrei
this is literally the end of an era
not yet...we got 2 left...cherish them
What a nice tribute to the tennis legend. Roger Federer really, really deserves it! Thank you :)
Oh, BTW you, my favourite three, are not allowed to retire. Period:)
I remember how I felt when Stefi Graf and Pete Sampras retired. Felt like I would never see that prolonged level of greatness again. Boy was I wrong.
Well Stefi's brand of elegant tennis & 🐐 status, hasn't come back. She achieved so much in such a short time.
@@jacintacesp To be honest, when i was a kid i always rooted for Monica Seles then then the stabbing happened. I only appreciated Stefi more as I got further into my teens.
Thank you Federer for the memories and for the huge impact you have had on me
Praise him, respect him BUT DO NOT disrespect others by blindly worshipping him
(federer fan 2004)
(Best fed match uso final 2005)
I'm so tired of this narrative of Federer being peRFect, the classiest, the smoothest, the most aesthetic, never ever doing anything wrong. He was like a golden boy, then a god even who never got a bad press, a person with constantly highlighted only amazing thing he's done, everything 'wrong' or inappropriate was always omitted and forgotten, quite the opposite to other sport stars over the years, huh. Don't get me wrong, he was great, I really do appreciate him as an athlete, his achievements are absolutely extraordinary but I always considered this whole narrative and even fetishism around him unhealthy and exaggerated, in the end he was a human being like any other, and surely he wasn’t perfect. That being said, I'm sad that this day of his retirement had to come. I’m not gonna lie, but I’ve never been the biggest fan of his, but the memory that always comes to my mind while talking about Federer is THAT point in the 5th set vs. Nadal, Australian Open 2017, I think the forehand winner that gave him a break point. Legend. And his laugh is super contagious!
This is a historic moment in tennis- I’m a huge Djokovic fan but I have to say that Roger did a lot for tennis than any other legend. Thank you legend !. Happy retirement!
Of late, Roger AND Nadal especially, have become, rightly or wrongly - the tennis Establishment themselves, and as such, have done much Damage to their lower-ranked fellow players - both financially and in terms of diminishing the lower ranked players' Influence on their sport into Insignificance!
I'd say they HARMED tennis - rather than benefiting it!!
However, IF you are speaking of the novel... way Roger has been playing tennis, I am in complete agreement.
If courts were not slowed down so much over the years, he would have many more matches and tournaments
Darling three, thank you for being so present. I feel that you exemplify the lead quality of Roger Federer's success.
Thanks as always, Beth 🙏🏻
I can't even talk about this.
But from now on, this show is you 3. 😊 Just talk tennis.
And recall Roger at every opportunity.
Rogers representative carlitoss should replace him but yes, he shud be remembered 🥺👏👍
I am a huge Rafa fan, and I can’t stopped the tears. A huge idol, rival and part of my childhood, teen, young adult and adult years has called it a career. Thank you for the memories, the epic matches, the times I rooted against you and all the time you broke my heart. I honestly can’t think of any other word to describe him but GOAT. Thank you, maestro RF❤
Makes me cry to hear through it. Lifetime federer fan, it’s painful and end if an era. Kinda hard for the last few years already him not playing but retirement statement just killed me :(
Some of you Fed fans were very ungracious to Rafa but they always respected each other.
Joel, to your question about whether or not 100k people would pitch up to watch Roger play I would to add that I live in Cape Town and attended that epic match in the Cape Town stadium. Prior to purchasing tickets online when the booking opened we had to register on the website. The tickets disappeared in under 10 minutes and the unlucky fans begged him to play a second match but they opted against so as to keep it unique as Roger stated in the documentary that was done for the event. Tony Godsick revealed in the same show that 250k people registered before tickets sales opened. He called Roger at the time to tell him and he was in shock as he had no idea what numbers the should anticipate in CT.
Great show. Sad day for tennis fans to be sure. I never thought we'd see him again in the 2nd week of a GS anyway, but very much wanted him to be present at more tournaments going forward. Sounds very much like the right decision for him and that he is at peace with it. I think the Laver Cup will be a massive hit this year to say the least.
Bio-mechanics of the human system and the demand of elite professional tennis players on their bodies I'm sure depends on the individual system, is DAUNTING to say the least. So, given the fact that he came back and then needed more medical procedures speak to the fact that the body did not BOUNCE BACK as it needed to for this elite level of demand on it. That said. A LEGEND. A GOAT. A superb person and ambassador for Tennis. As Amy & Gill shared, the idea that Wimbeldon-21 would have been his swan song of competitive performance. Serena & Roger weeks apart on their announcements is very profetic. Roger's game and play and competitive spirit and humor and elegance of play along with his aggresive tempo and sheer excellence speak for themselves. As Joel intimated, he is the Barishnikov of Tennis and also equally raised Tennis interest the way Barishnikov did for Ballet. Thanks, Amy, Gill & Joel. It will still be THREE but with a little asterix :) Best, Milan
I suspect that Barishnikov's popularity in the West... might've only taken off BECAUSE he was a dissident from an enemy land! Meaning - it was Politicised..., sadly!
Similarly, Roger's Huge tennis talent... combined with his talent for self promotion, his great PR machine... would like us to think of him as a great human being also.... which he most certainly was Not, IMO.
Quite often he would be petty, bad sport, quarrelsome, bitchy, Beastly even... Arrogant, DIVA-like etc.
Those are Not some negligible shortcomings!
Also, Roger AND Nadal, of late, have become the tennis Establishment themselves, and as such - have done much Damage to their lower ranked tennis players, both financially and in terms of diminishing their influence on the sport... into insignificance!
Now, THAT is something... which is IMPOSSIBLE to take lightly and... gloss over!
It is safe to say that Roger's Enormous tennis talent - far Encompasses Roger as a person!
And therefore - it is Roger's 🎾 Tennis talent, elegance and proficiency... that I will remember him for.
Please, leave the yarn... about the tennis Ambassadorship... to the one(s) who really Deserve(s) it!
@@stevelily1763 With all due respect and appreciation...Mine, like yours, is just a particular perspective and vantage point. No more and no less valid. Of course, taken in its fullest context, the metaphoric reference has many sides. That being said, Barishnikov was an excellent artist at the Bolshoi as at the Met and other places after his defecttion. So, everything, including our own personal opinions and pespectives have their own weight and emphasis. You have yours. I have mine. And everybody else has theirs respectively. If you don't like the "yarn" so be it. I do like the yarn. To each his own. I'll take the yarn and spin it. If you don't like it - that's good too. No need to preach and teach to others from your own vantage point. It's pointless. You are entitled to your opinion and have stated it. Others like myself have our own take on it. Take the yarn and spin it or don't. But be mindful of telling others what they should and should not do. Leave the teaching and preaching aside and write your own version. If you don't like the yarn, then don't weave it. I like it so I will keep weaving :) Best, Milan.
Gill's favourite 'personal' Federer moment speaks of the genius alright but also of Gill's absorption and appreciation of the game as a young lad. Little wonder then that Gill has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis commentary.
Good news when it comes to Novak whose uncle apparently says Novak will be around for the next 5-6 years (without interruptions hopefully). Life cannot be kinder.
Alcaraz winning his first major, Federer retiring three days later. There is the answer to the show for the future :)
Or a new three? Sinner, Alcaraz...and ....?
Maybe Rafa can play through 2024 Olympics. I hope so 🐐
For me, Federer was the one that got me into watching and even just learning what the game is about in the first place. Yes, we can all go to the stats and compare the number of slams and how many titles, etc, and then you can argue Nadal or Djokovic won more, but there's just a special place for the person that brought you into the sport and actually got interested in tennis in the first place. And for me, and probably a lot others, that's Roger Federer.
Roger's G.O.A.T. is Laver. It is fitting then that he has chosen the Laver Cup to call it quits
Keep going as a three and discuss tennis in general/other greats! You have an engaging dynamic and are always interesting to listen to.
Thanks Jack 🙏🏻
we are all sad and grateful. 💔💖💔💖💔💔💖Amy, i love and underscore your paradox analysis.
I have watched tennis since the Borg snd McEnroe days and think the debate of who is the goat is useless. Records are there to be broken and there will always be improvements in racket technology and understanding of human physiology. But Roger will definitely be remembered as one of the most beautiful and valued tennis player. Just like how I truly missed McEnroe and Edberg, Roger will be missed.
Totally agree!
I know Roger is not dead, but it sure feels like it! I knew this day was coming, but I didn't want it to be like this. I wanted him to go out on his terms. But, as it always is with life, things don't work out the way we always want. There's a huge empty feeling inside. It does feel like a loved-one has moved on! Thanks for everything Roger!
I've always rooted against Federer - from the time I was little. My formative tennis years were watching him crush players I was rooting for like Agassi and Roddick. And it was the sheer spectacle that domination which made it so exhilarating to see Nadal and Djokovic respectively eclipse him. But another part of me as a fan will also always wish I could have seen Federer with his backhand from the end of his career and the speed and explosiveness of his youth. That player would not have been eclipsed by Rafa and Djokovic.
Sigh.It's finally happened. Apparently Roger was having some issues re-strengthening his knee, he was getting fluid buildup and it was screwing things up for him. I guess the knee was worse than anyone realised.
He's been my favourite player for over a decade, I saw him live maybe 4-5 times at the AO (I'm an Aussie)... sometimes practicing, sometimes playing a match. I'm really proud to be able to say that I saw him during his last Slam win, 2018 AO when he played Struff in Rd2.
I said to my gf at the time "he's like a ballet dancer out there. So graceful, so effortless".
I'm also old enough to have watched the Sampas-Fed match that Joel mentioned, Fed win his first Slam against Phillipoussis, and also Fed at his peak in 2005-6. He was literally untouchable - I've never seen anyone be so dominant; and that includes 2007-2013 Rafa at RG (obviously excluding 2009), and Novak 2011 and 2015. All very special years... but Roger's 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 seasons were almost.... to quote the brand name..... peRFect.
He really was something extremely special and unique, and to me, he was my GOAT. We'll never see another like him.
Joel, as usual is right- "three was never them -- it was us!" I hope the best tennis show continues, and frequently!
Thanks 😊
Nole fan ... Miss u roger 🥺
Yes.. Value of someone will be known when they leave and retirement news struck me hard 😔
Thx 🙏 good luck for future 👍and miss u champ ! 🥺😔
Saw Federer play at Indian Wells a few times- Rafa's my guy, but it was such a treat to watch the effortless artisty of Federer on court, with no sweat indeed, as Joel mentions.
I hope you guys talk about the 'Federer Paradox" in one of your future episodes. He is the player who has lost the most matches despite winning more points/games than his opponent. He has also lost 6 matches in GS after being on Match Point - Wimbly Final 2019, Wimbly QF 2018, US Open 2010 SF , US Open 2011 SF , AO 2002 R2 and AO 2005 SF.
A true legend and a hero to billions
Nice episode guys, is this the last episode of three? Should we be looking forward to 2.0 ?
They are changing the name to big 2 or they are replacing roger with carlos
Farewell to Fed. He had a great career.🖐
I truly believe Roger is an awesome player. But his greatness has been artificially made greater than he is by the media and his own publicist. He is good, but not the “godish “ media tries so hard to manifest. Look into the H2H Nadal vs Federer. Look into the three Wimbledon final’s against Djokovic: underpressure he falls apart when he is facing an honest tough opponent. Back in the 2003-2008 his opponets where Hewitt, old Sampras, Roddick, Safin, Söderling. Means he beat good players, but not the best. I just read a shocking statistic: look into it. 2003-2008 Federer’s opponets had a winning percentage lesser than 70%, excepto for Nadal.
Nadal’s and Djokovic ‘s opponets in both his most important years: say 2010, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2022… have/ had a winning percentage above 70%. Means Roger’s opponets we’re good. Nadal’s and Djokovic’s are/ were excellent.
Gill, that Dabul tweener is all over YT Best Shots of Federer, and indeed of All Time. Raz Ols is The Man, but other too.
We've seen it a million times, and yes it was even better than the Djoko one. It has had a vast audience beyond your USO R1 😁.
one difference between the big 3 that :
always novak and federer play at their highest level ( so calm , so focus ,so cold ,so solid )
nadal on other hand ,, is more sensitive to the conditions around him
( nervous ,,, enthusiastic ,,,,ups and downs ,momentary loss focus )
but he is the best , his high level better on every surface .
Lol wtf
Well, we will always have the memories on RUclips, especially the 2004-2007 Fed Express.
Yes and we have the memories on RUclips of Nole from 2010-2022 Nole Express.
@@sonicmoj1 both weak era champs
@@sonicmoj1 Why are you listening to this if you are not a fan , just stay away
Tennis career well done, Roger. Hats off.
Feels like a coming-of-age moment for me. Goodbye maestro...
Pls continue the show as it is
Welcome to Two!
Roger meant a lot to many people, Amy got that right.
So what will the show be called? The two?
Why change it. Big three is a brand name and Rafa and Novak will still be part of the big three...
Big 2
Thank you Roger for your legacy.
Now, the show is going to be 2(?)
You should replace Federer with Alcaraz in 'Three Part 2' and continue this amazing podcast :)
A very nice discussion. ❤
federer ist the james bond, nadal the idiana jones and djokovic the comedian (the watchmen) of tennis.
My fedal 😭💔
Federer=brutal elegance
Noval = brutal weardown mental giant machine
I am Nadal fan but i love Roger and Novak, because this 3 tennis players are so good in my favorit sport maybe this is strange because we in Europe love football by far but for me always was tennis than football and so many others sports
Thank you for the memories Roger and the artistry which you brought to the game. I would have loved to see one final Wimby run, but unfortunately father time had other plans. Certainly the best pure tennis player of the big 3. His historic matches vs his biggest rivals, whether win or lose, were historic masterpieces that could have gone either way. Despite getting owned by Nadal during the early part of their rivalry, everybody knows that Federer was the much better player. Had Fed changed rackets earlier, he would have won the head to head vs the Spaniard, had the slam lead and been far and away the goat.Twilight Federer 7-1 vs a 6 years younger Nadal says it all.
Oh my god.. this is shocking... EVEN BEING A RAFA FAN, THIS IS SO SHOCKING
2🐐s left🐐🐐
One Legend down, 2 to go. Tennis is slowly dieing. Will Never have 3 legends of this magnitude in one era. Damn . RIP🎾( ps im not talking about the three of you legends😉)
I was teaching tennis when I heard the news. My initial thought was “Good! It’s about time… he’s a Billionaire… go enjoy life!”.
This feels just terrible even though it was inevitable. IMO, he is the GOAT for the sheer impact he made on the sport.
He should've picked Wimbledon 2023 as the end and use the time to get ready as much as possible.
Hope he does a Andy Murray! And hope for a miracle 🙏 like his knee healing fully too still play!) And if not he has twin boys! And twin girls... if he is physically better then in 021 and still made the last 16 of Wimbledon then I believe he could still compete.. man I wish he could play just one more season 😪
I cried
Amy's fav is Roger... gill's is Rafael.....what about Joel? Does he prefer Roger too?
I think your making some assumptions here.
Lol u fool .
Amy rafa
Gilly silly likes novak
Joel the oldy likes roger
Now y’all can call your show ‘Two’.
Your show will now be called '2'
No doubt Roger laid the foundation for this Big 3 era. As a Novak fan, it's painful to see Federer retirement, because we know this will be eventually Nole. A great deal of respect for Roger. GReat athlete. As always, great episode guys. A new era begins, and I'm pumped to see what happens next.
Change the name of the show, into two.
Jejejjeje
I would suggest a whole l new tour called RF or better still call it Tennis 3
Gil has not known a world without Roger Federer. I have not known a world without William Shatner.
The Fred Astaire of tennis. The Mozart of tennis.
The pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps.
The perfection of Leonardo da Vinci.
The breath of transcendence. Phew! No description satisfies.
Amy, Davis Cup is a real event, but really just for fun... Also, it took him over a year to accept it... Just accept what Gill said, you were wrong. Lastly, it was essentially a farewell tour...
I wasn't a fan of RF and actually didn't care much for him. But I feel sad and I will miss him :( Good luck Roger- and hope you have an equally fulfilling life ahead! Thank you for many memorable matches :)
Me too. His gamesmanship against Novak turned me off over their rivalry. The saltiness of Roger's post game conference at USO 2010 or 2011 where he said players like Novak just shut their eyes and slap the ball back at 15/40. Novak has patented the 15/40 Meme for Roger!
@@sonicmoj1 same here...but most people will conveniently ignore that.
But anyway, I feel sad Roger is retiring.
@@sonicmoj1 Then leave if you don't like him. Djoker is the one with gamesmanship against Roger...
@@JOHNNYSGIRL1960 Okay then gamesmanship.. just so cringe worthy. Good riddance Federer.. ruclips.net/video/Istcd6U_J9s/видео.html
we, as small imperfect humans, are drawn by the glimpse of the divine.... 💫
As Novak fan it is sad, Roger pushed Nadal and Djoković and vice versa, a golden era of tennis is going to end and that is make me sad.
Federer was an incredible improviser on court & could anticipate very well which left many an opponent looking on in disbelief. This definitely added to the mental difficulties of those who knew they had to face him in the future. There were only a few who could overcome this (the other 2). Kyrgios had him pegged when he said Roger was the hardest to play against because he makes you feel like you shouldn't be on the court playing him. He makes you feel like you're nothing.
But Federer also was one of the worst losers in the sport. Not gracious at all, at least for most of his career. Stakhovsky - Wimbledon as one example. Tears when losing at other times. He wore a mask for the public, which only occasionally slipped to show his true inner being.
Tennis at this level is also big business, just like all other so called professional sports.
Laver Cup is the perfect ending for him. Because it's rather a friendly spectacular. It's a perfect ceremony.
He will have to wear a burka I'm afraid 😊
Emotional
I like what Joel Drucker says this show is about 3 😂, three of us. Federer is great and his legacy will live on, but as show must go on, I would suggest to replace Roger with Carlitos Alcaraz as he's definitely On, and he is going to challenge Novak and Rafa and rest of the tour.
Maybe, maybe..I'm gonna try and like him now....I'm protective of Nole.
What I didn't like with Roger is, you will never hear him come out and express himself on an issue facing tennis at any time. I looked at it ..as him being so protective of his legacy..not impressed.
It's so sad that Roger's entire legacy is reduced to SW19
Fed delayed this announcement by about 3 or 4 years. He didn't want to leave the party. Who can blame him, what a party it was.
I think nadal and djokovic might also lose the motivation once federer is gone
You can still call your show '3' - just replace Federer with Alcaraz : )
For the record SA was just under 52000
And of course Roger could fill 100,000 seats - against a worthy opponent. He filled 45000 in Mexico playing Zverev, and not one of them was there for Sascha.
When someone asks me, "Where were you and what were you doing when you heard that RF is retiring?" I can proudly say that I was reading a reply to one of your comments from an episode of MMA (Gill and Steve) and the person replying said that RF had retired which immediately sent me to Google and later Twitter. Not a bad thing to be doing considering what a massive Fed fan you are.
@@jwbrandt70
I am not worthy😁
So this is the tweener Gill was talking about, a great one! ruclips.net/video/CCmnFj8eaKM/видео.html
Show shouldn’t be different. You haven’t had to talk about him since Wimbledon’19
Shut up
Will you be renaming the show "Two"??? We all knew this was coming and this is not at all surprising.
He was never a favorite of mine - Rafa was and Carlos is now - but his finesse was the thing I was always most impressed with in his tennis.
I don't know what will happen with Laver Cup but I would LOVE for Roger to play doubles with Rafa as his final match! The two of them have had the most amazing rivalry in men's tennis history! Rafa was so incredibly gracious in his response to Roger's announcement.
Laver Cup will be a farewell to Roger and I will be watching every moment of it. I wish him well in whatever he decides to do in the future !
Maybe once the 3 retire, there will be someone or more than one player you 3 will talk about 😆
Sad. I thought he would get one last Wimbledon. Rafa will follow soon.
16:22-- Alcaraz will make even more crazy shots but he is not a fluid dancer. His body will be done in 10y max unfortunately
seriously , sad day for everybody who understand tennis
swiss lost its most famous land mark ,federer
now , you have to add someone to the other two
how about adding zverev (😂😂😁) , because he is the one who predicted new big 3