Roger Federer, one of the Big Three of Men’s tennis, with over 1500 matches in over 24 years to his name, one of the world’s most polished athletes who dominated tennis for two decades, announced on Thursday that he would be taking a bow from competitive tennis.
The 41 years old Swiss professional player who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles in his time, said in his video and letter which he posted on social media that he would be playing his last match next week in the Laver Cup in London, his brainchild.
Federer has been suffering a knee problem for the past three years and has come to the decision to retire after a series of surgeries.
This is coming on the heels of Serena Williams’s announcement to evolve away from competitive tennis playing a couple of weeks ago.
Roger Federer in his letter said: “To my tennis family and beyond. Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today, I want to share some news with all of you.
“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 1,500 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.”
The Grand Slam champion, who has not played a competitive game since the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer is set to play in the Laver Cup along with the other members of the Big Three; Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Roger won his first major singles title at Wimbledon in 2003 at age 21 and went ahead to ace lots of other matches.
He of course thanked his family saying: “I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me.
“She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches even while over eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years.
“I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.”
The letter goes further to talk about his love for tennis growing up, his dreams and the amazing journey along the way.
Roger concluded by thanking his and his love for the sport saying: “So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
Roger Federer will still be considered the greatest of all time by his fans.
The world stood still at this announcement as social media is awash with various expressions of emotion from friends, competitors, organizations and fans all trying to digest the news.
