The setting could hardly have been much better, when one of the giants of the sports world made a final effort on the tennis court.

Dressed in the same blue Lag Europa shirt as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, in front of legends such as Stefan Edberg, Rod Laver and John McEnroe - and with cheering supporters in the stands.

In the scenes were also his wife Mirka Vavrinec, and his four children, the twin pairs Myla and Charlene and Leo and Lenny.

It was an emotional farewell, as a final tiebreak came to an end and the legend stepped onto the pitch for a final post-match interview.

- When I imagined this, I couldn't even speak, so this is going great, he says sobbing and continues:

- Everybody is here;

the girls, the boys – my wife who has been so supportive.

She could have stopped me a long time ago, but she didn't.

She kept me going and let me play.

That's amazing - so thank you!

Together with Nadal

The 41-year-old had to take several breaks during the final post-match interview on the pitch, to wipe away tears and collect himself.

- It feels like we're celebrating me, and that's exactly how I wanted it to be, says Federer.

Despite the tears, he says that he could never be happier, that the doubles match with Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup in London, where the European team takes on the rest of the world, by his side, could not have been a better ending.

"Liked tennis"

The Swiss started playing tennis as an eight-year-old, looking up to idols such as Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker and Pete Sampras.

He himself turned pro in 1998 and has since racked up 1,251 victories and taken 103 titles.

At 36, he became the oldest player ever to become world number one in the ATP rankings, and he also holds the record for the longest streak in the post, at 237 weeks.

Over the years, there have also been 20 grand slam titles.

- It was never meant to be like that.

I have only liked to play tennis, spend time with friends and it ends here.

It has been a perfect trip, I would do it all over again.

The last match ended in a loss.

American opponents Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe took home the victory with 4–6, 7–6 (2), 11–9.

But in this context it must be seen as secondary.

- I'm so happy that I got through, the match was great, I couldn't be happier, says Federer.