Gates, Messi, Tendulkar Headline Celebrity Federer Tributes

Following Roger Federer’s retirement announcement on Thursday, many tennis stars of the past and present took to social media to pay tribute to the Swiss.

But Federer’s announcement reverberated far beyond the tennis world. Celebrities including Bill Gates, football player Lionel Messi, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Formula 1 legend Fernando Alonso also shared their well-wishes for the former World No. 1.

You've been an incredible friend to me and an inspiration to an entire generation of tennis players. I'm lucky to have seen you work your magic on the court many times. And I'm excited to watch your philanthropic work grow in this next phase of your life. https://t.co/lAWC14Ho1B

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 15, 2022

What a career, @rogerfederer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories. pic.twitter.com/FFEFWGLxKR

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 15, 2022

?. Gracias @rogerfederer https://t.co/5o2HpdxUc8

— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) September 15, 2022

Roger, congratulations on a remarkable career! It’s been an honour to watch you on court. Enjoy retirement, and I look forward to seeing you at a few more F1 races in the future! pic.twitter.com/4zG1AVhkeg

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) September 15, 2022

Congratulations, @rogerfederer, on an incredible 24 year run. You’re now ready for podcasting.

— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) September 15, 2022

I remember this day like it was yesterday, it was a real privilege to be in the presence of two greats.

What a career @rogerfederer 24 years at the top ?? I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to do next. #RForever pic.twitter.com/iX6D7ylgvX

— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) September 15, 2022

End of an era! Congratulations @rogerfederer on making so many fall in love with the sport and a truly remarkable career ? pic.twitter.com/nJjteiN2TT

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) September 15, 2022

Farewell to the GOAT!
Congratulations on an immense career @rogerfederer ? pic.twitter.com/5RfAGINvPR

— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) September 15, 2022

Elegance is the only beauty that never fades & u defined it each time u stepped on to the court. A #Legend in every sense, you’re the reason billions followed tennis. Congrats on a brilliant career! Wishing you the very best! Thank you @rogerfederer ❤️ #GOAT #ThankYouRoger pic.twitter.com/uZesROr4SO

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 15, 2022

Roger, thanks for countless goosebump moments on the court and congratulations on an incredible career. One last dance! pic.twitter.com/EwwCqYi4Fu

— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) September 15, 2022

Thank you for inspiring us and setting a great example for all of us, @rogerfederer! ?? pic.twitter.com/W0sfav1Hzw

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 15, 2022