Laver Cup: a gala floor, a huge ovation… Roger Federer at the time of farewell

It is 10:11 p.m. in London (11:11 p.m. in Paris) and the audience in the O2 Arena holds their breath. Roger Federer, 41 (including 24 in his career), in the blue and white colors of Team Europe, stands behind the net while Rafael Nadal, his double-sided partner in the American pair Tiafoe / Sock, prepares to serve . The 1750th (1526 singles and 224 doubles) and the maestro’s last recital before leaving the stage in front of his family and an audience of celebrities, from ex-champion Stefan Edberg to actor Hugh Grant via the popess of fashion Anna Wintour. The first end of the Swiss gives shivers to the 17,500 spectators who came to admire the bow of the former world No. 1, right knee in capilotade, in the city which made him king (eight titles at Wimbledon).