Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic pay tribute to retiring David Ferrer

David Ferrer’s professional tennis career came to an end on Wednesday evening as he bowed out of the Madrid Open.
The 37-year-old Spaniard had announced at the start of the year that the Spanish event would be the last of his 19-year career and his defeat at the hands of Alexander Zverev in the third round sent him into retirement.
Ferrer reached a career-high of No 1 in the world rankings, won 27 ATP Tour singles titles while he also finished runner-up to compatriot Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros in 2013.
“With everything, it is so emotional. I just wanted to say thank you to a lot of people who have been really helpful since the beginning of my career,” the veteran said after the match.
“Thanks to the tournament for letting me play my last match here. For all the love you have given me. Also the same goes for Feliciano Lopez, I’m really going to miss you. You’re a great friend.”
The world’s best players, including 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, Nadal, world No 1 Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro, took time out to praise their colleague.
“I’m a big admirer of his work ethic and personality. The guy has been so solid for the last 20 years and he’s a player that, I think, is on the same level as me. He has my utmost respect. I just want to wish him the best with everything that his future has in store for him with his family.”
– Roger Federer
“You are a great example for everyone of determination and hard work, and you have always behaved in the correct way, doing things right with the values necessary to motivate the youngsters. I’d like to congratulate you on your playing career and above all as a person. You are an exceptional colleague and you have been throughout your career. We’re going to miss you, not just the Spaniards, but the whole of tennis. I wish you the best for your future.”
– Rafael Nadal
“I have great respect for him as a player and a person. His fighting spirit and his devotion to our sport has won him the admiration of all of us. In a way, it is sad to see him go.”
– Novak Djokovic
“One of the greatest players of this sport and one of the best people the tour has had is retiring. I can’t do any more than thank him for everything he has done for this sport and the way he has carried himself both on and off the court. I wish him the best in this new phase of his life. We’re really going to miss him. A friend is retiring, someone whom I have great respect, admiration and affection for.”
– Juan Martin del Potro.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis News
WATCH: ‘Greek god’ Marton Fucsovics takes shirt off to reveal ripped body
Marton Fucsovics shows off his muscles again.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka eyes Iga Swiatek’s No 1 spot – Why Sabalenka could usurp the Pole in the coming months
Aryna Sabalenka’s world No 1 goal could be within touching distance.
-
ATP Tour
What Novak Djokovic needs to do to be top seed at French Open
Novak Djokovic has a big chance to be back at No 1 in time for the French Open.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon reach verdict on Russian players with announcement imminent
The decision on whether Russian and Belarusian players can compete at Wimbledon this summer has been made.
-
Tennis News
Tennis legend predicts how many Grand Slams Novak Djokovic will win
Novak Djokovic is “going to be winning majors as long as he’s healthy”.
-
WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka, WTA and Steve Simon slammed as tension in tennis continues to escalate
All is not well in women’s tennis.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz off the mark in Miami as Jimmy Connors explains why he is head and shoulders above his peers
Carlos Alcaraz up and running in Miami as Jimmy Connors waxes lyrical about Spaniard.
-
WTA Tour
WTA accused of ignoring request for meeting with Ukrainian players – ‘Just silence’
Ukrainian players want to meet with the WTA board.