One of the greatest tennis players of all time is finally calling it a career. Roger Federer, the former #1 ranked tennis player for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks has announced his retirement from professional tennis.
The 41-year-old took to social media to thank his opponents, his family, and the fans who have watched him for over 20 years.
“The last 24 years have been an incredible adventure. While it sometimes felt 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.” Federer said on Twitter.
Federer added that his farewell event will be the Laver Cup in London next week. That is a team event run by his management company.
The long-time Swiss athlete has been a cornerstone athlete in the sport and around the globe for two decades. Federer has 103 ATP singles titles, the second most of all time after Jimmy Connors, including 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era record-tying five men’s singles US Open titles, and a record six Year-end Championships.
There wasn’t a better master on the Wimbledon court either where the Swiss’ eight titles are a record for the tournament. A gold medal in the Olympic games in 2008 was followed by a silver medal showing four years later.
In 2018, he became the first pro to win 20 major singles titles and shortly the oldest ATP world No. 1 at age 36.
Federer’s main rivalry came forth against Rafael Nadal. Nadal won the head-to-head matchup 24–16 overall, including 14–10 in the finals. Federer won more matchups against his arch-rival on grass (3–1) and indoor hard court (5–1).
Knee injuries and his latest surgery have gotten in the way of the transcendent superstar. The latest was his third operation on the same knee in a span of 1 1/2 years.
The announcement from the Swiss champion came just days after the conclusion of the U.S. Open, where Serena Williams played her apparent last match.
A new age of tennis is dawning with the retirements of transcendent superstars like Williams, Federer, and potentially Nadal.
With over 20 years of being the face of the sport, Federer appears ready to pass the torch to the next age of top tennis players.
For more Roger Federer and Tennis news, turn to AMNY.com
