The China Mail - Federer's retirement: Who's saying what

Here, AFP Sport takes a look at some of the tributes paid to the 20-time Grand Slam champion on Thursday:

Old rivals and friends

"Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would never have come It's been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court."

-- Rafael Nadal on Twitter.

"I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you've done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you."

-- Juan Marin del Potro, who retired earlier this year.

"Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don't be a stranger... Also, seems like a good time to start training for Wimby."

-- Andy Roddick, who lost to Federer in three finals at Wimbledon and one at the US Open.

"Thanks legend!!!"

-- David Ferrer

"Absolute living legend. Thanks for all the countless memories."

-- John Isner

The young(er) guns

"Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!"

-- World number one Carlos Alcaraz.

"Thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual."

-- Canadian former world number three Milos Raonic.

"A role model for me and so many others!!... It's been a privilege to share the court with you!!"

-- Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov.

"Roger - you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game... Tennis won't be the same without you! Thank you."

-- Double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

"Tearing up just listening to this. We love you Roger."

-- American player Jessica Pegula.

The greats

"Roger Federer is a champion's champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on."

-- Billie Jean King

"What a heartfelt message, full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!!"

-- Martina Navratilova

"Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket."

-- Rod Laver

The coaches

"The end of a magnificent era."

-- Judy Murray.

"Rafael would not have been as strong without Roger Federer. He always had to raise his level... I feel very sad to see a sports icon, one of the most important players in tennis, announce his retirement."

-- Toni Nadal, Rafael's uncle and former coach, speaking on French radio.

The organisations

"Legend of the game."

-- Roland Garros, where Federer won the 2009 title.

"Where do we begin? It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many."

-- Wimbledon, where Federer is a men's record eight-time champion.

"You changed the game, #RForever."

-- ATP Tour

"RogerFederer is a gentleman on and off the court –- and a true Olympic champion."

-- International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.

"Thank you @rogerfederer ... ... for everything you have done for Swiss and international tennis, ... for all the countless emotions we were able to share with you, ... for every child you inspired to play tennis!"

-- Swiss Tennis

"Greatness defined. The end of an era."

-- The WTA Tour, alongside a photo of Federer embracing Serena Williams on court.

Stars from other sports

"The greatest of all time. King Roger."

-- Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli.

"What a career, @rogerfederer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us."

-- Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.

"Changed the game! Thank you for all the inspiration."

-- South African cricketer AB de Villiers.

"It's been one of the great pleasures in life to watch you play."

-- Former England football striker Gary Lineker.

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