Roger Federer Photo Credit: Tatiana from Moscow, Russia, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Legendary tennis player Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis and revealed his final ATP Tour event will be the Laver Cup in London.

Roger Federer at BNP Paribas 2012 Open Photo Credit: Mike McCune from Portland, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Federer made the announcement in a letter he published to social media.

It begins, “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,” he wrote. “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 deamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”

Federer then announced, “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.”

Roger Federer Twitter

Federer continued, “This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. 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.”

He went on to thank his wife and family, “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 8 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.”

Roger Federer Photo Credit: slgckgc, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Roger Federer during Day 4 of Roland Garros 2015. Photo Credit: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“I would also like to thank and recognize my loving parents and my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible. A big thank you to all my former coaches who always guided me in the right direction…you have been wonderful. And to Swiss Tennis, who believed in me as a younger player and gave me an ideal start,” he continued.

“I really want to thank and acknowledge my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, Roland, and particularly Seve and Pierre, who have given me the best advice and have always been there for me. Also Tony, for creatively managing my business for over 17 years. You are all incredible and I have loved every minute with you.”

Roger Federer Twitter

Federer continued his thanks moving on to the ATP Tour, “I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who are really like partners to me; and the hard-working teams and tournaments on the ATP Tour, who consistently welcomed all of us with kindness and hospitality.”

“I would also like to thank my competitors on the court. I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels,” he wrote.

Roger Federer at US Open 2012 Photo Credit: Christian Mesiano, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

He then turned his attention to his fans, “Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. You will never know how much strength and belief you have given me. This inspiring feeling of walking into full stadiums and arenas has been one of the huge thrills in my life. Without you, those successes would have felt lonely, rather than filled with joy and energy.”

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. 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 and cheer me on around the globe. Thank you,” Federer wrote.

Roger Federer Twitter

He began to wrap it up writing, “When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.”

“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,” he concluded.

Roger Federer Twitter

Federer’s last Grand Slam was Wimbledon in 2021, where he was eliminated by Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals.  He became a professional tennis player in 1998. He was the No. 1 ranked ATP player in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009. He reached No. 1 for the final time in June 2018 after winning the Stuggart Open in Germany.

He won 103 titles, which is the second most titles in the Open era behind American Jimmy Connors. Aside from the titles he also won 1,251 matches while only losing 275. The number of wins is second only to Connors. His number of Finals appearances is also second only to Connors. He appeared in 157 finals. He won the Australian Open six times, the French Open once, Wimbledon eight times, and the US Open five times.

He also won a silver medal the 2012 Olympic Games for Men’s Singles and a gold medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Men’s Doubles alongside Stan Wawrinka. The duo also won the Davis Cup in 2014.

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