Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer announced his retirement from the sport.
On Thursday, Federer, who has 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 career ATP titles, announced on his Twitter that he will be retiring after this month’s Laver Cup in London due to “challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries” that he’s been dealing with for the past three years.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Federer also wrote that he will play more tennis in the future, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.
He called the decision “bittersweet” and thanked his “unbelievable fans” for their support.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
To my tennis family and beyond,
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN
“You will never know how much strength and belief you have given me. The 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,” he wrote.
He then called the last 24 years of his career, on tour, “an incredible adventure” adding, “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.”
He concluded his statement by writing, “Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
In July 2022, for GQ’s “15 Top Tennis Players Of All Time,” Federer was rated at number six. He has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles.