Last month, Serena Williams announced she would be stepping away from tennis, and on Thursday, another one of the sport’s all-time greats made a similar announcement. Roger Federer shared on social media that he plans to retire from professional tennis following next week’s Laver Cup in London, closing the curtain on one of the most decorated careers in sports history.
“Today, I want to share some news with all of you,” he wrote. “As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41-years-old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.
The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer’s career spans four different decades, in which he won 103 ATP Tour singles titles, 20 major titles, spent 310 weeks in the top rankings spot, and finished as the year-end No. 1 five different times. His one-handed backhand became one of the most signature shots in the game, and he was known for his exceptional grace and movement on the court.
“The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure. While it sometimes feels like it went by in 24 hours, it has also been so deep and magical that it seems as if I’ve already lived a full lifetime,” he continued. “I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. Through my travels, I have met many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, who consistently took time out of their busy schedules to come watch me play an cheer me on around the globe. Thank you.”
