Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka says Roger Fedrer is his "big brother" and adds he feels the 20-time Grand Slam champion deserved a better end to his career. Federer, 41, has had three knee surgeries since 2020 and he is planning to retire after this week's Laver Cup.
Federer, who underwent a third knee surgery in 2021 August, was hoping to be able to return to tennis at some point this season. Unfortunately, Federer's knee didn't progress as expected and he now plans to return for just one event so his retirement could come on court and not in a press room.
"The first feeling is sadness. He's a friend, a big brother. He would have deserved a better end to finish his career," Wawrinka said, per We Are Tennis.
Stan Wawrinka 💬, in press conference at @MoselleOpen, on Roger Federer's farewell: "The first feeling is sadness.
He's a friend, a big brother. He would have deserved a better end to finish his career." pic.twitter.com/AUS5j4Cwzo — We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) September 19, 2022
Wawrinka enjoyed success alongside Federer
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Wawrinka and Federer became Olympic champions after winning the gold medal in the men's doubles event.
In 2014, Wawrinka and Federer led Switzerland to the Davis Cup title. "Thank you my friend for everything you have done for me over the years. It was a true honor to share the court against you but it was even more special to be in the same team as you," Wawrinka wrote on Twitter after Wawrinka announced his retirement.
"Forever grateful for all the memories on and off the court. Tennis will never be the same without you. Enjoy the next chapter in your life with your beautiful family." Meanwhile, Wawrinka has qualified for the Metz main draw.
On Monday, Wawrinka defeated Zsombor Piros 6-7 (4) 6-2 6-0 in the Metz qualifying final round. In his Metz main draw opener, Wawrinka is set to clash Portugal's Joao Sousa. Wawrinka and Sousa will be clashing for the fourth time when they meet in Metz. Previously, Wawrinka won each of his three meetings versus Sousa.