One of history’s most significant sports careers will end when Roger Federer, 41, announces his retirement after the Laver Cup in London.
Federer, a 20-time grand slam winner, said on social media on Thursday that his last week playing professionally will be the following week. The Laver Cup, a competition modeled after the Ryder Cup, was founded by Federer’s management company, Team8.
After defeating Pete Sampras on Centre Court, Roger Federer falls to the ground.
“My last ATP competition will be the Laver Cup in London the following week. After that, I will definitely continue to play tennis in the future, but not in Grand Slams or on the tour,” he added.
Federer hadn’t played since the Wimbledon quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-0, when it was revealed he had reinjured the knee that had kept him off the circuit for more than a year.
Since January 2020, Federer has competed in five tournaments and endured three knee operations. However, he stated as his reason for retiring was his late-career injury issues.
“Injuries and operations over the previous three years have faced me with difficulties. I’ve put a lot of effort into getting back to full competitive shape,” Federer wrote. “However, I am also aware of my body’s potential and limitations, and recently, it has made that plain to me. I’m a 41-year-old man. In the last 24 years, I have participated in almost 1500 matches. Tennis has been more gracious to me than I imagined, but now I have to decide whether to call it quits on my competitive career.
For a significant time, Roger Federer owned the male grand slam championship record, surpassing his hero Pete Sampras, whose total of 14 victories was previously thought to be almost indestructible.
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He also broke numerous records that testify to his skill and consistency throughout his career, like making it to 36 straight quarterfinals and 23 consecutive grand slam semifinals.
Federer has won six ATP Finals, 28 ATP Masters titles, and 103 ATP singles championships. He has a singles record of 1251-275 (82%) in 1,526 ATP circuit matches.
Federer won his first grand slam championship at Wimbledon in 2003 when he was only 21 years old, and within 14 months, he had established his domination. At his best between 2004 and 2007, he had a 247-15 (94%) record, meticulously redefining what excellence in the men’s game meant.
The standard that Federer established prompted prominent opponents to follow. As a result, Rafael Nadal, now 36, and Novak Djokovic, now 35, rose to prominence to create the big three, probably the most delicate period of men’s tennis.
Nadal was one of the tennis players to write to Federer: “Dear Roger, my buddy, and adversary,” he wrote. “I wish this day had never arrived. It is a sad day for me and sports all over the globe.
It has been an honor and a joy to spend these years with you, experiencing so many incredible experiences on and off the court.
Andy Roddick, who often faced Federer in the final rounds of grand slam competitions, also paid respect. Roger, cheers, he tweeted. “I appreciate you sharing your recollections, my buddy. Sharing time and experiences on the holiest grounds in our sport was a privilege. Don’t act strangely.
The ease with which Federer seemed to move through the sport made his accomplishment even more significant in the eyes of many. He had an effortless, fluid style, the broadest arsenal of shots in the world, and the desire to probe the net consistently.
Billie Jean King said on Twitter that Roger Federer was a champion’s champion. He possesses the complete game of his generation and has won the hearts of sports fans all around the globe because of his incredible court agility and sharp tennis intellect. In addition, he had a legendary career filled with unforgettable moments.
Federer rose beyond his sport to become one of the most well-known sports figures ever. Federer’s longevity is one of his most significant accomplishments, despite injuries eventually catching up with him. For over a decade, he outperformed several of his closest competitors; today, he will finally catch up with them.
Since I will miss all the circuit has given me, Federer stated, “This is a difficult choice.” “However, there is also plenty to rejoice about. I believe I am among the luckiest individuals on the planet. I was granted a rare ability for tennis, and I played at a level, and for a length of time, I could never have anticipated.
Federer concluded his letter by saying, “I was a ball child in my hometown of Basel when my tennis passion began. I once marveled as I watched the players. I compared them to giants and started dreaming as a result. My goals inspired me to work harder, and I became confident. After experiencing some success, my confidence grew, and I set out on the most incredible path that has gotten me to this point.
“Therefore, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to realizing the ambitions of a little Swiss ball child. I’ll end by saying, “Tennis, I love you, and I won’t ever leave you.”
