Roger Federer hailed Queen Elizabeth II for her "elegance" and "grace" as the world of sport stopped to pay tribute to the British monarch who passed away on Thursday at the age of 96.
Sporting events in Britain scheduled for Friday, including Test cricket and European golf's PGA Championship, were cancelled as a mark of respect.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Royal Majesty," tweeted Federer who met the queen when she visited Wimbledon in 2010.
Federer is an eight-time Wimbledon champion.
"Her elegance, grace and loyalty to her duty will live on in history. I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to the entire Royal Family and Great Britain."
Fellow tennis legend and two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal tweeted his "most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences".
Brazilian football great Pele was among other sports stars who paid tribute.
"I have been a great admirer of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to witness our love for football and experienced the magic of a packed Maracana," he tweeted.
"Her deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever."
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Friday's play between England and South Africa in the third Test at the Oval in London would not take place.
Thursday's first day in London was washed out without a ball bowled. The three-match series is locked at 1-1.
Play at the PGA Championship at Wentworth, near London, was suspended on Thursday evening when news broke of the death of the monarch and it was later confirmed that there would be no play on Friday.
