The Baseline Awards: Tearjerker Moment

WATCH: Federer played the final match of his career alongside Rafael Nadal at Laver Cup in September.

Even though the global tennis community knew it was coming—and perhaps sooner rather than later—Roger Federer’s Sept. 15 announcement still sent shockwaves around the world.

Due to continued knee issues, Federer was forced to bring to a halt one of the greatest careers in the history of the game. The Swiss superstar announced that his last event would be the upcoming Laver Cup, the international team competition he had a hand in creating. This year, it was going to be full of special moments, such as the “Big 4”—Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray—all competing on the same team.

And if Federer was going to be restricted to doubles as Team Europe looked to extend its perfect record, there was only one person it made sense for him to pair up with.

“Fedal” would take the court once again.

On the opening day, Team Europe climbed to a 2-1 lead over Team World after the first three singles matches, setting the stage for Federer and Nadal to battle Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. The Americans won the opening set 6-4, before Federer and Nadal rallied to claim the second 7-6. The deciding tiebreak was as close as can be, but when Sock ripped a forehand winner down the line to clinch the victory for the Americans, Federer’s illustrious career came to a close.

And from then on, there was hardly a dry eye in the house, including those of the men who will be forever linked.

After all the emotions, there was still tennis to be played over the next two days. Team World came away with their first-ever victory in the event, but that weekend will forever belong to Federer.