LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — 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.

British horse racing chiefs also pressed the pause button as tributes poured in for the late British monarch from across the sporting world.

“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.”