After Serena Williams, yet another tennis legend has bid adieu to the game. Roger Federer shook the sporting world by announcing his final goodbyes to the sport. An icon in his own right, the Swiss won 20 Grand Slam titles in his legendary career. While he made fans all over the world, there was an athlete that Federer fell in love with. And that was NBA’s very own, Michael Jordan.

Basketball paved the way for His Airness to become a global icon. His scoring exploits made him the face of the sports world. Moreover, his biggest claim to fame was a perfect record in the NBA Finals. However, after winning his sixth ring with the Chicago Bulls, MJ decided to retire for the second time.

And fanboy Roger Federer spoke about reacting to news of his idol’s second retirement. Going sneaker shopping, the 20-time Grand Slam champion expressed a sense of relief when Michael Jordan returned for one final run.

Roger Federer wanted Michael Jordan to return

Going on Complex’s famous segment, Federer opened up about the impact of Jordan. Serving as an inspiration, the tennis legend constantly tuned in to watch the legend unleash on the court. Watching Jordan have a perfect record, Federer never saw his second retirement coming. Upset on the fact, that feeling didn’t stay for long. The six-time champion returned for one final stint with the Washington Wizards.

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Seeing his idol return, Roger Federer was elated. He said: “Where I grew up he was so big, so well-liked, so successful, well spoken it was everything about him. He had the perfect run going for so long and then he retired! And I couldn’t believe it. Thank God he came back one more time.” 

After admiring his idol on the screen, Federer gave back to Michael Jordan. In 2014, Nike brought together the two sports icons to create a tennis shoe, the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour AJ3 inspired by the 1988 Jordan 3. Having MJ cheer from his courtside seat, Federer put on a masterclass in the first round of the US Open in 2014. Wearing the Jordan-inspired shoes, he won in straight sets to have a perfect game, much like His Airness’ Finals record.

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Their partnership with Nike became a step towards bonding. Despite knowing nothing about Tennis, Michael Jordan came out to watch Federer.

With one last Laver Cup left in him, do you think Roger Federer will take the glory? Let us know your views in the comments below.