In this Jan 28, 2018, file photo, Switzerland's Roger Federer holds his trophy after defeating Croatia's Marin Cilic in the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia. (DITA ALANGKARA / AP)

Roger Federer's decision to retire may not have come as a surprise to the tennis world but Thursday's announcement was still met with an outpouring of sadness as current and former players celebrated one of sport's greatest athletes.

I wish this day would have never come. It's a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. 

Nadal,

Spanish professional tennis player

Heartbreak and goat (Greatest Of All Time) emojis filled social media after the 41-year-old Swiss posted a lengthy letter saying he was finally hanging up his racket after 24 years on the Tour, with next week's Laver Cup in London set to be his swansong.

Federer was the first player to win 20 Grand Slam titles but has since seen his record broken by Rafa Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) as the 'Big Three' fought epic encounters on court that headlined the sport in the 21st century.

ALSO READ: Forbes: Federer highest paid player in 2022 despite year-long absence

"I wish this day would have never come. It's a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world," Nadal said.

What a career, what a champion. Thank you Roger Federer for all the matches, victories, defeats and emotions we were able to experience. The Swiss couldn't be prouder. 

Ignazio Cassis,

Swiss president

"It's been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court."

Nadal has played Federer 40 times while Djokovic has faced him 50 times as the trio battled for supremacy, elevating the sport to stratospheric heights to spark the GOAT debate.

"Roger Federer is a champion's champion," said 12-times major winner Billie Jean King.

"He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind."

READ MORE: Federer to retire from the sport after next week's Laver Cup

Having played over 1,500 matches, Federer still holds plenty of other records and is widely regarded as the greatest grasscourt player of all time having won Wimbledon eight times -- a men's record

"It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word," Wimbledon said on Twitter.

"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."

Federer never won an Olympic gold medal in the singles, but he did win one in the doubles and was Switzerland's proud flag bearer at the 2004 and 2008 Games.

ALSO READ: Legend Federer returns to Wimbledon

"What a career, what a champion. Thank you Roger Federer for all the matches, victories, defeats and emotions we were able to experience. The Swiss couldn't be prouder," Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said.

Switzerland's Roger Federer plays a return to Britain's Cameron Norrie during the men's singles third round match on day six of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 3, 2021. (ALASTAIR GRANT / AP)

Role model

But more than his prowess on court, it was Federer's charisma and genial personality that made him a role model for fans across generations.

"He redefined greatness on the court while his champion spirit, sportsmanship and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades, inspiring so many to pick up a racket," ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.

Class, grace, humility, beloved by everyone and he (Federer) elegantly mastered the sport like no other.

Chris Evert,

American professional tennis player

"He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner.

"Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport."

Chris Evert, an 18-times major winner, said Federer was the "epitome of a champion.

"Class, grace, humility, beloved by everyone and he elegantly mastered the sport like no other," she said.

READ MORE: Wilander: Federer will face 'reality check' on return

U.S. Open women's champion Iga Swiatek said it had been a 'privilege' to witness Federer's career while Carlos Alcaraz, the latest entrant in the Grand Slam winners' club after his triumph in New York, was not ready to say goodbye.

"Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration," the new world number one said.

"Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you."