​Serena Williams has welcomed Roger Federer “to the retirement club” after both tennis legends decided to retire within the same year. The announcement of the great Swiss champion flew around the world, and the reaction did not take long.

Serena Williams: “I wanted to find the perfect way to say it, when you finished this game so eloquently – perfectly, like your career. I have always admired you. Our paths have always been similar. You have inspired countless millions of people, including me, and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to everything you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you, Roger Federer.”

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Billie Jean King: “He is a champion of champions. He has the most complete game of his generation and has won the hearts of sports fans around the world with his incredible speed on the field (…). He had a storied career with lasting memories. We wish you the best of luck in your future journey.”

Martina Navratilova: “What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Just like the tennis that Roger played and that we enjoyed so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the magic.”

Rod Laver: “Thanks for everything, Roger. see you Rocket”.

Andy Roddick: “Good luck Roger. Thanks for the memories, my friend. It was an honor to share my time/experience at the most famous venues in our sport. To bring news. It also seems like a good time to start preparing for Wimbledon (just kidding, obviously).

Darren Cahill: “Very few people would be more proud of the player and person you have become, Rog. What a career! An inspiration, leader, legend and role model for all new generations. Cool lesson! All the best to Myrca and family! Well done, friend.”

Wimbledon: “It was a chance to see your journey and see how you became a champion in every sense of the word (…). All we can say is that we thank you for the memories and the joy you brought to so many people.”

WTA: “Definition of greatness. The end of an era. Thank you Serena Williams, thank you Roger Federer.”

Carlos Alcaraz: “Roger was one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport” I still want to play with you! I wish you the best of luck in the future.”

Iga Svyatek: “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you represent for our sport. It was an honor for me to witness your career. I wish you all the best.”

John Isner: “Some of Federer’s numbers are insurmountable (like 23 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals), but his impact on tennis goes far beyond what he accomplished on the court. Thank you for everything, RF.”

Juan Martin Del Potro: “Roger, where do we start? It has been an honor to witness your journey and watch you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will miss you very much in our area, but all we can say now is thank you for the memories and joy you have given to so many people.”

Lionel Messi: “A genius, unique in the history of tennis and an example for every athlete. I wish you all the best in the new phase of your life. We will miss the way you played tennis on the court that made us happy, Roger.”