‘This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me’

A tearful Roger Federer ended his historic career with defeat alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a doubles match at the Laver Cup in the early hours of Saturday.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, 41, and Nadal, playing for Team Europe, went down 6-4, 6-7 (2/7), 9-11 against Team World's Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

The result felt a mere formality as pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - crying together after combining for Team Europe in a doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena went viral on social media, leaving their legions of fans highly emotional.

Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That's the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me. When your companions cry for you, you know why you've been able to do with your god given talent.Nothing but respect for these 2. pic.twitter.com/X2VRbaP0A0

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2022

The heart-warming scene has been shared by many fans along with their messages and former India captain Virat Kohli too has been left overwhelmed with the moment.

Sharing the photo on Twitter, Kohli posted an emotional tribute to both the tennis legends. "Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That's the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me. When your companions cry for you, you know why you've been able to do with your god given talent. Nothing but respect for these 2," he tweeted.