Roger Federer in devastating scenes after final match of tennis career

Roger Federer has broken down in tears while paying an emotional farewell to tennis after the final match of his career.

The Swiss legend joined forces with Rafa Nadal for a doubles clash against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup on Friday, with the Team Europe stars going down 6-4 6-7 (2) 11-9.

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The loss marked the final match of Federer's storied career after he announced last week that he'd be retiring after the event at the O2 Arena in London.

The 20-time grand slam champion hadn't played since a fourth round loss at Wimbledon in 2021, undergoing a third knee surgery afterwards.

The 41-year-old Federer admitted he wanted to play longer and had even been eyeing a swansong at Wimbledon next year, but the knee simply wasn't up to it.

He will now make way for Matteo Berrettini, with the Italian taking over from Federer to play singles on Saturday.

Federer broke down in tears on Friday as he embraced his Team Europe teammates, including Nadal.

The Swiss legend couldn't hold back his emotions as he thanked fans in attendance at the O2 Arena.

"It's been a wonderful day. I told the guys I'm happy, not sad," Federer said in his on-court interview.

"I am so happy I made it through. The match was great and it's been wonderful.

"Having Rafa here and all the legends - Rocket (Rod Laver), Stefan Edberg - thank you."

Nadal was also in tears during the heartbreaking scenes, showing his emotions for his long-time friend and rival.

Federer also broke down while embracing wife Mirka and their four children, telling them he was happy rather than sad.

Tennis fans were left moved by the emotional scenes and gutted that we won't ever see Federer play professionally again.

Alex de Minaur victorious for Team World

Australia's Alex de Minaur earlier overcome Andy Murray in a marathon encounter to break local hearts in London.

The Australian won 5-7 6-3 10-7 in two hours and 29 minutes to open the account of Team World, reducing the deficit at 2-1 to Europe after three singles ties on the opening day one.

Tiafoe and Sock's win over Federer and Nadal then made it 2-2.

De Minaur won just one more point in the match against Murray, but the World No.22 converted three of five break points compared to Murray's two from seven.

"I just wanted to do anything I could to get the win for my team and I managed to find a way," de Minaur said on-court.

"I don't know how much tactics were out there. It was be ready for a battle and for however long it took.

"Andy is a hell of a player, he has done so much for the sport and it is just great to have him around."

The lengthy opening match of the evening session had forced Federer and the O2 crowd to wait patiently before the Swiss star could begin the final match of his career.

Casper Ruud, the recent US Open runner-up, had got Team Europe off the mark earlier in the day, but only after a back-and-forth encounter with Sock.

Ruud eventually got the better of the American 6-4 5-7 10-7, having trailed by three points at one stage in the 10-point tie-breaker needed to decide the opener.

Stefanos Tsitsipas then dispatched Diego Schwartzman in a match that was disrupted by a protester setting the court and himself on fire.

with AAP

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