'Roger Federer is the reason behind...', says Top 10

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Roger Federer has inspired many youngsters to step onto the tennis court and pursue their dreams. Stefanos Tsitsipas was one of them, who dared to dream despite coming from a non-tennis nation. Stefanos watched Roger win his second consecutive Wimbledon title in 2004, wanting to follow the Swiss path and chase notable titles with a one-handed backhand.

Federer and Tsitsipas played four meetings in 2019, and their H2H scoreline will remain at 2-2. Roger has decided to withdraw from the next Laver Cup to be held in London in ten days' time, having problems with a knee injury and not recovering enough to continue his career.

Stefanos shared an emotional message with his fans, dedicating many nice words to the Swiss maestro and thanking him for everything he has done for the game. Federer did his best to prolong his career after three knee operations, but his retirement became inevitable after recent problems.

Stefanos will have the chance to hang out with Roger in London, representing Team Europe and seeking a fifth Laver Cup title. Tsitsipas and Federer had a very tight schedule in 2019, meeting four times and sharing wins. The young Greek stunned Federer in four tight sets at the Australian Open before Roger recovered a few weeks later in the Dubai final.

Federer knocked out Tsitsipas in the Basel semi-final before the youngster provided revenge in the ATP Finals semi-final. Additionally, two rivals met on the same side of the court in September during the Laver Cup. Tsitsipas and Federer played Jack Sock and John Isner and suffered a narrow 5-7, 6-4, 10-8 loss in one hour and 46 minutes.

Tsitsipas speaks about Federer

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas took to social media to pay tribute to Roger Federer after the Swiss maestro announced his plans to retire. "He came. We saw. He conquered. We admired. Thank you Roger Federer for elevating our sport to an unfathomable extent.

For making this sport look so damn effortless, but complicated to emulate at the same time. Your style, personality, talent, finesse, and passion will be remembered in the game of tennis forever!" wrote Stefanos. "I can’t thank you enough for being the reason I pursued tennis in the first place.

The reason I play a one-handed backhand today. The reason I dreamt for the first time watching you lift that Wimbledon trophy in 2004. To truly "federize" someone you must not only dominate them, but also dominate them with class and style. And that can be found in the Urban Dictionary thanks to you Roger Federer," he added.