Aussie tennis player booed by fans for comments during Roger Federer's farewell

Alex de Minaur became public enemy number one during the final match of Roger Federer's career.

The Australian tennis star was heavily booed by those in attendance at the Laver Cup following comments he made on the court.

De Minaur had just secured Team World's first points against Team Europe by defeating Andy Murray at London's O2 Arena.

The Aussie's victory over fan favourite Murray proceeded the final match of Federer's legendary career, which was to be a doubles match alongside his age-old rival and good friend Rafael Nadal.

Speaking after his own clash, de Minaur appeared to upset the crowd when he said he hoped his Team World teammates Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe would beat Federer and Nadal.

“I’m just glad I was able to get a win for Team World and hopefully we can get another in the doubles," de Minaur said.

These comments didn't sit well with the supporters inside the O2 Arena.

Clearly keen to see Federer win the final match of his unrivalled career before finally retiring, the fans reacted to de Minaur's claims by booing him.

“It’s going to be a special match,” he added.

“I’m going to have popcorn out. It’s going to be a great match. Let’s make it an unbelievable atmosphere for 'Rog' one last time.”

He desperately tried to backtrack, but it was too little too late.

“You were doing so well,” on-court interviewer Tim Henman said.

But, as we all now know, the result didn't go Federer's way.

That said, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer - playing alongside a 22-time Grand Slam champion - put on a show in his swan song match.

“We’ll get through this somehow,” an emotional Federer said as he fought back the tears.

“It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, not sad.

“It feels great to be here. I enjoyed tying my shoelaces once more, every thing was the last time.

“I didn’t feel the stress so much even though I thought maybe something was going to go, like a calf, but the match was great.

“Playing with Rafa and having all the greats here, all the legends, thank you.”

Featured Image Credit: ESPN/Laver Cup/Alamy

Topics: Australia, Tennis, Roger Federer

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry