Switzerland-born tennis great Roger Federer on Thursday announced his retirement from professional tennis after 24 years on the ATP tour.
Federer made the announcement in a video posted on his social media channels before sharing the statement in another post on his social media platforms.
The statement read: ‘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.
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‘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 recognise 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.’
Federer’s retirement comes just a few weeks after Serena Willams announced she is evolving from the game. The Swiss maestro retires as one of the greatest players of all time and the first player to truly transcend the sport.
The 41-year-old underwent surgery, which ruled him out for the remainder of the year. He did return a year later in Qatar before playing at the Geneva Open, French Open, Halle and Wimbledon last year.
