Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport with one last dance alongside old sparring partner Rafael Nadal before heading into retirement at the age of 41; Despite doubles defeat to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, he said: “It has been a perfect journey and I would do it all over again…”

Federer enjoyed a lengthy hug with old adversary Nadal at the conclusion of the match before he was given one final standing ovation despite the clock being well beyond midnight. The visuals of both Rafal and Federar weeping at the farewell , created a storm on the internet. Netizens went emotional seeing the video of the two legends sitting together and weeping.

“We’ll get through this somehow,” Federer said on-court. “Look, it has been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, I’m not sad. It feels great to be here and I enjoyed tying my shoes one more time.

“Everything was the last time. Funny enough with all the matches, being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match. I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”Of course playing with Rafa on the same team, having all the guys here, the legends, Rocket (Rod Laver), Stefan Edberg, thank you.

“It does feel like a celebration to me. I wanted to feel like this at the end and it is exactly what I hoped for so thank you.The Swiss great thanked wife Mirka, who has watched him battle through a succession of knee operations before he finally admitted defeat in his pursuit to come back last week.

He added: “Thank you everybody. I’ve had so many people cheer me on and you guys here tonight mean the world.

“My wife has been so supportive… she could have stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play so thank you. She is amazing.”