Andrea Bocelli tribute leaves Roger Federer in tears

Roger Federer often let his emotions out on the tennis court and little has changed since his retirement from the circuit.

Roger Federer was known for letting his emotions get the better of him during his incredible tennis career.

Initially known as a racquet-breaking brat in his junior days, Federer then started showing emotions of a different kind, regularly crying in on-court interviews once he started realising his potential and winning grand slam tournaments.

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Federer would soon get that in check - holding up 20 grand slam trophies will do that to a man - but the emotions were always still there bubbling under that Swiss exterior.

He bid a teary farewell to tennis at the Laver Cup in September last year and the 42-year-old was at it again during a concert in Zurich this week.

Roger Federer on stage with Andrea Bocelli. Photos: Twitter

Revered Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is in the midst of a long European and North American concert tour, which included a stop in Switzerland.

Federer was in the crowd at the Hallenstadion venue on Tuesday (AEDT) and it came to the attention of the blind Bocelli.

“Among us tonight there is a living legend, Roger Federer,” Bocelli told the crowd.

“For me it’s really an honour to dedicate the last aria to him for the emotions that he gift to everybody.

“And I would like to have him here on stage with you.”

Of course the crowd goes nuts and Federer takes to the stage in a stylish blue sweater and long coat, giving a slightly sheepish wave as he greets Bocelli.

Roger Federer and Andrea Bocelli. Photo: Twitter

In the edited video posted on social media, we then cut to Bocelli in the final throes of his version of Nessun Dorma, one of the great arias in all of opera that comes from Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot.

A smiling Federer gives a small clap and then seems to get totally overwhelmed by Bocelli’s extraordinary voice, wiping tears as the epic aria concludes.

After Bocelli bows, the pair hug and then the Italian holds Federer’s arm aloft to the crowd, with the Swiss great quickly trying to put the attention back onto the legendary tenor.

In a small sidenote, comments on the social post quickly descended into yet another slanging match about the greatest tennis player of all time.

Federer, seen here after playing his last ever professional match at the Laver Cup, often showed his emotions on the court. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Roger has been enjoying himself since retiring from tennis. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

One of the more heated GOAT debates in sport among staunch fans centres on men’s tennis and the battle typically between Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, along with the occasional mention of Australian great Rod Laver.

Federer originally held the record for most grand slam singles titles, often used as the barometer for GOAT status, before it was overtaken by Nadal and then Djokovic.

These are a few of the responses.

“Novak will never get this level of respect and love. Goat for a reason,” was one comment.

“Reason why Djokovic can’t be recognised as goat it’s more than just hitting a tennis ball,” suggested another.

Andrea Bocelli dedicated a part of his performance to Roger Federer last night.

“Among us tonight is a living legend, Roger Federer. For me it’s an honor to dedicate the last aria to him, for the emotions he gave everyone”

Roger was moved to tears. 🥹

pic.twitter.com/MEbXrUzlcm

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 21, 2023

“I can’t believe this video has turned into another fed vs Djokovic GOAT debate. What the hell is wrong with people?” was another fairly reasonable comment.

But Djokovic also has his fierce supporter base and they made sure to make their feelings clear.

“Reason Djokovic isnt there is he’s still winning slams,” was one sharp reply.

“I mean very honestly it’s federer. It isn’t that hard to make him cry,” wrote another.

And there was even the occasional voice of reason.

“Why always bring Novak in the discussion?” asked @MichTeni.

“(Bocelli is) right to be his fan and dedicate the aria to him, someone else will love Novak and some Rafa.”