Tennis legend Roger Federer has announced he will retire from the sport at the age of 41.
Federer has confirmed the last tournament of his illustrious career will be the Laver Cup in London, scheduled to be held at the 02 next weekend.
This Swiss mastermind – who was the winner of 20 Grand Slams and is the third-highest men’s total ever – has retired as one of the most important players of the game.
Federer reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year, his last major appearance. Federer’s final Grand Slam victory was the 2018 Australian Open.
He was world number 1 for 237 of the ATP Tour’s singles championships, between February 2004 – August 2008. That record remains.
Federer’s decision comes after a difficult period in the life of the Swiss star. Federer has had three knee operations as a desperate effort to return to former glory.
Roger Federer, 41 years old, has declared his retirement from competitive tennis.
Federer will play in exhibition matches, but the Laver Cup where he will represent Team Europe will be his final competition on the ATP tour, will see Federer feature.
Federer stated, “To my tennis family, and beyond,” that of all the blessings tennis has brought me, the most important was the people I met along the path: my friends and my opponents, but also the supporters who make the sport possible.
“Today I am happy to announce some important news for all of you. Many of you are aware that the last three years has been difficult for me due to injuries and surgery.
In 2017, the 41-year old Swiss star won his last eight Wimbledon titles.
He has also had three knee surgery in his last year of career.
“I have worked tirelessly to get back to my full competitive level. But, I know the limits of my body and what it can do. Its message has been quite clear lately.
“I am 41 years of age. Over the past 24 years, I’ve played over 1,500 matches. It has given me tennis more than I can ever imagine, and I now have to know when my competition career is over.
My final ATP event will be the Laver Cup in London, next week. Of course I’ll continue to play tennis, but not on the tour or in Grand Slams.
“This will be a difficult decision because I will not get the opportunity to do this tour again. Yet, I have so many things to be thankful for. I am one of the greatest people on Earth. It was a gift that gave me the ability to play tennis at a high level, which I didn’t expect, and for a much greater time than I thought.
Federer was popular throughout his career and was an avid fan favorite at all tournaments he participated in, including Wimbledon.
Federer expressed his gratitude to his wife Mirka, as well as his coaches and fans, for their support throughout his remarkable career.
He paid tribute to fellow competitors Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, who are the leaders in all-time Grand Slam standings at 22 and 21 respectively.
Federer said in a video that he was privileged enough to have played so many great matches, which he will always remember.
We fought fair, with passion and intensity. I also tried my hardest to honor the past of the game. It is a great feeling to be grateful.
Federer was fortunate to have played incredible matches against Rafael Nadal throughout his career.
“We both pushed one another and we brought tennis to new heights together. My incredible fans deserve a special thanks.
“You won’t know the strength and faith you’ve given me. It was an incredible thrill to walk into full arenas and stadiums. Those successes without you would not have been as rewarding and full of joy and energy.
“The past 24 years of touring have been an amazing adventure. Although it feels as though it took 24 hours to complete, the experience has been so profound and memorable that it almost seems like I have lived an entire lifetime.
“I had the incredible fortune to be able to share in your joy in 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive.’
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