Roger Federer Announces Retirement From Tennis, Laver Cup Will Be Final Event
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There will be no drawn out retirement tour, or even a month-long celebration. Roger Federer has announced his retirement from tennis. Next week’s Laver Cup will be his final event, the Swiss star posted revealed today on social media.
Federer, now 41, hasn’t played since Wimbledon last year due to his right knee which still won’t let him return. And now time has finally caught up, he said. The message is “clear”.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer wrote. “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form, but I also know my body’s capabilities 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,” Federer said. “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.”
“This is a bittersweet decision,” he added, “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.”
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer’s return has been pushed back on several occasions, but rumors of another knee setback in the last month have prompted speculation he would be unable to play the Laver Cup or Basel.
But Federer will try one last time at the event he created and in the city, London, in which he had his most memorable moments, winning his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003.
“When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel,” Federer continued. “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.”
Federer finishes with 20 Grand Slam titles and a very long list of incredible achievements. The ATP compiled many of them:
– Oldest World No. 1 (36)
– Most Consecutive Weeks at No. 1 (237)
– 369 wins, 46 SFs & 58 QFs at Grand Slams
– 23 SFs & 36 QFs in a row at Grand Slams
– Most Titles at Basel (10), Halle (10), Wimbledon (8), Dubai (8)
– 103 titles – 2nd in Open Era to Jimmy Connors
– 1,251 wins – 2nd in Open Era to Connors’ 1,274
– 65 straight wins on grass (2003-08)
– 41 straight wins (2006-07)
– 24-final win streak (2003-05)
– 24 straight wins vs. Top 10 (2003-05)
– 17 straight finals (2005-06)
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