London – Roger Federer, regarded by many as the greatest male player to wield a tennis racquet and who took the sport to new levels during a career spanning more than two decades, announced he will retire after the Laver Cup next week.
Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and re-defined a sport with his artistry and grace, broke the news tennis fans across the world feared in a lengthy statement on Thursday.
A knee injury meant the 41-year-old has not played a match since losing at Wimbledon last year although many still believed he could come back for one last golden farewell – but he said his age had finally caught up with him.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer said in an emotional statement posted on Instagram.
“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.”
He added: “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 recognise when it’s 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.”
Federer, who dominated men’s tennis for several years after winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 19 years ago, has been troubled by injuries in recent years.
He underwent three knee operations in the last two years, and his last competitive match was a quarter-final defeat against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland at last year’s Wimbledon.
Federer offered some hope to his legions of fans when he said he planned to return to the tour after teaming up with long-time rival and friend Rafa Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup next week in London.
He had also planned to play at the Swiss indoors tournament at home in Basel.
“This is a bitter-sweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” Federer, who has two sets of twins with wife Mirka, said.
“But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth.
“I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
Federer first served notice of his special talent when he beat American great Pete Sampras on his way to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon 21 years ago.
Two years later, he outclassed Mark Philippoussis on Centre Court at Wimbledon to begin his Grand Slam collection.
Federer went on to win seven more Wimbledon titles, claimed five U.S. Open titles, six Australian crowns, and a single French Open achieved 13 years ago to complete his career Slam.
He also holds the record for 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 and the only omission from his glittering record is an Olympic singles gold medal, losing to Andy Murray in the 2012 final.
(Reuters)