The 20-time grand slam champion who has played over 1500 matches in 24 years announces his retirement from the ATP Tour and grand slams.
In an Instagram post, Federer says, “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 have met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life.”
He adds, “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.”
He continued, “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 dreamt, and now I must recognize 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 not in Grand Slams or the tour.”
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” he said. “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 a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
According to the Roger Federer website: Roger Federer holds several ATP records and is considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The Swiss player has proved his dominance on court with 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 career ATP titles. In 2003, he founded the Roger Federer Foundation, which is dedicated to providing education programs for children living in poverty in Africa and Switzerland.
Federer says, “For me, it is important to give back some of the luck that I am able to experience in life. The Roger Federer Foundation helps children in the poorest regions of our world. It is very close to my heart and to my family.
I want to thank you for buying products in order to help us with this cause. By purchasing our articles, you are making a direct contribution towards making our planet a better place for the most vulnerable children.
I am very grateful to have my fans, sponsors and friends on board who support me tremendously on my exciting philanthropic journey.”
Banner photo via Instagram @rogerfederer.
