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.

De Minaur unwisely says he hopes that Team World can get another win in tonight's doubles.

BOOOS from the O2 Arena crowd

"You were doing so well" on-court interviewer Tim Henman says to De Minaur.

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) September 23, 2022

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.

Fedal agreeing on the tactics that Andy should employ.

Rafa thinks De Minaur doesn’t like to go with much power cross court, meaning Andy doesn’t have to press Alex’s backhand, unless Alex takes a risk and rips one up the line 🧠 pic.twitter.com/ushofSO9xm

— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 23, 2022

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.”