THE TIMING IS AS IMPECCABLE AS his game was! Roger Federer announced Thursday he retiring from professional tennis at age 41, calling time on a career in which he won 20 Grand Slam titles, finished five seasons ranked No. 1 and led a golden era of men's tennis alongside rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Next week’s Laver Cup, which his management company Team8 owns, will mark the closing bell on a legendary career that stamped his status as one among the three best male tennis players the world has ever seen.
“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event,” he said in a statement on social media.
Nadal, who holds the men’s record for Grand Slam titles with 22; Novak Djokovic, who has won 21 major crowns; and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will all play together as part of Team Europe.
Federer paid tribute to his rivals too.
“I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget,” he said.
“We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game.
“I feel extremely grateful. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels.”
Federer had said in July he hoped to play one more Wimbledon. He departs with regrets but added he had lived a life that many would envy.
“This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” Federer 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 at a level that I never imagined for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
The 41-year-old has been out of action since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.
Federer said his body had effectively told him it was time to bring the curtain down.
“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form,” he wrote. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.
“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.”
Nadal, tennis world pay tribute
Rafael Nadal, arguably Federer’s greatest on-court rival, said it had been “an honour” to face him.
The pair played each other 40 times, including in nine Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a 24-16 winning record.
“It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world,” Nadal tweeted.
“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
“For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup"
Wimbledon also paid him a handsome tribute in keeping with him being a record eight-time champion in the only Slam played on grass.
“Roger, Where do we begin?” tweeted Wimbledon.
“It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
“We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.”
ESPN adds:
Federer leaves with 103 tour-level titles on his substantial résumé and 1,251 wins in singles matches, both second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era, which began in 1968. Federer's records include being the oldest No. 1 in ATP rankings history - he returned to the top spot at 36 in 2018 - and most consecutive weeks there; his total-weeks mark was eclipsed by Djokovic.
The dominance Federer displayed at the height of his powers is unrivaled, including reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, winning eight, from 2005 to 2007, a run that also extended to 18 of 19 major finals into 2010.
In a sport where changes in surface and other conditions can make even the best players thrilled with a showing here or there into the second week of a Slam, Federer compiled streaks of 36 quarterfinals in a row and 23 semifinals in a row from 2004 to 2013.
FULL FEDERER STATEMENT:
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’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today, I want to share some news with all of you.
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. 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 recognise 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 just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.
This is a bittersweet decision, 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.
I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches even while over eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years. I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.
I would also like to thank and recognise my loving parents and my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible. A big thank you to all my former coaches who always guided me in the right direction … you have been wonderful! And to Swiss Tennis, who believed in me as a young player and gave me an ideal start.
I really want to thank and acknowledge my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, Roland and particularly Steve and Pierre, who have given me the best advice and have always been there for me. Also Tony, for creatively managing my business for over 17 years. You are all incredible and I have love every minute with you.
I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who are really like partners to me, and the hard working teams and tournaments on the ATP Tour, who consistently welcomed all of us with kindness and hospitality.
I would also like to thank my competitors on the court. I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels.
Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. 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.
The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure. 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. I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. Through my travels, I have met many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, who consistently took time out of their busy schedules to come watch me play and cheer me on around the globe. Thank you.
When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch 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.
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