Roger Federer promised his fans they had not seen the last of him after announcing his retirement, saying he would see them on a "different type of tennis court" in the future.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion and Rafael Nadal lost their Laver Cup doubles match 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 11-9 to Team World's Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

But the match itself was ultimately a sideshow on an emotional occasion for the 41-year-old, who made a lengthy and tearful address to the crowd, his rivals, and family afterward. 

"This is not the end-end, you know, life goes on," he told a post-match press conference in the early hours of Saturday, adding that "I'm healthy, I'm happy, everything's great."

Federer indicated that "The message from me was just making sure I relay my passion for the sport to the fans, and I let them know that hopefully we'll see each other again on a different type of tennis court somewhere around the world."

"I have no plans whatsoever, where, how, when. All I know, I would love to go and play places I have never played before or go say thank yous for years to come to all the people that have been so supportive of me," he indicated.

"Super-long and positive journey"

On his part, Nadal expressed that "it has been a huge honor to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together."

"When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too," he pointed out.

Federer and Nadal, who have won 42 Grand Slam singles titles between them, spoke warmly of their friendship even though they have been fierce rivals for nearly two decades.

"It's been great," said the Swiss. "I think we enjoy each other's company, and we have so much to look back on, but also just enjoy spending time together."

Nadal, 36, said his relationship with Federer had been a "super-long and positive journey."

"For me was always the guy to beat," said the Spaniard. "So at some point, we were probably the biggest rivals -- I think always in a very good way." 

"Very proud to be part of his career in some way," he concluded.

Read more: Tennis superstar Roger Federer retires