Another tennis legend has decided to retire. Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis on Thursday, just a few weeks after Serena Williams competed in what is thought to be her final professional match. The legendary Swiss tennis player is among the most accomplished tennis players ever, not only in his period. He finished third in the Grand Slam singles standings with 20 victories, behind only still-active players Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21).
Federer announced on his Twitter page that the Laver Cup, which will take place in London from September 23 to 25, will be his final competitive match. The 41-year-old tennis legend listed injury concerns as one of the key causes for his decision to retire.
As many of you are aware, I’ve faced difficulties over the past three years as a result of operations and injuries, he wrote. “I’ve put a lot of effort into getting back to my best for competition. However, I am also aware of my body’s capabilities and limitations, and lately, it has been making that plain to me. Tennis has been more generous to me than I could have ever imagined, but now I have to decide whether to call it quits on my competitive career.”
Federer continued, “I’ll play more tennis in the future,” but not “in Grand Slams or on the tour,” even if the Laver Cup will be his final match on the ATP tour.
Throughout his career, Federer held the top spot for 310 of those weeks, including a record 237 straight weeks at one stage. When he captured his first major singles Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003, he was only 21 years old. He went on to win the competition seven more times, including five consecutive victories from 2003 to 2007.
But Federer’s dominance extended beyond Wimbledon. In addition, from 2004 through 2008, he won one French Open, six Australian Opens, and five consecutive US Opens.
This is a difficult choice for Federer since he would miss everything the tour has given him. “However, there is also much to rejoice in. I believe I am among the luckiest individuals on the planet. I was granted a rare ability for tennis, which I used to play at a level and for a period of time that much exceeded my expectations.”
