KOSMOS TENNIS Press Release, September 16, 2022

Following Roger Federer’s announcement to retire from professional tennis after next week’s Laver Cup, David Ferrer, tournament director of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals, spoke of his admiration for the Swiss Maestro, a player many regard as the greatest of all time.

“It was clear that sooner or later it would happen. I am stunned, but grateful for what he has given to tennis,” Ferrer said from Valencia, one of the four venues for the Group Stage of the competition underway there as well as in Bologna, Hamburg and Glasgow.

“He has defined an era. He has been key to the growth of tennis and one of the most influential players, if not the most, in improving the sport alongside Rafa [Nadal]. Everyone loves him, he has given a lot of joy, not because of his perfect tennis game but because of the values he has espoused throughout his career. “I would define him with three words: elegance, perfection and charisma,” Ferrer added of the winner of 20 Grand Slams and Davis Cup champion in 2014.

The former World No. 3 from Spain spoke of his recollections and acknowledged how difficult it always was to face Federer as a player. “I have many memories of him. Seventeen – that’s the number of times I lost to him. I could never beat him. Towards the end of my career, when I saw that I was not at the same level, he gave me advice and I will remember him with great affection.”