Tennis legend Roger Federer announces retirement

Tennis legend Roger Federer says he’s stepping away from the sport, announcing his retirement on Thursday.

Federer says the Laver Cup in London, England, will be his final ATP tournament. He notes that he will continue playing tennis, not on tour or in any Grand Slams.

In a statement, the 41-year-old said it’s time to listen to his body, noting that he knows his capacity and limits.

“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,” Federer said.

“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.”

Widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Federer has won 103 ATP singles titles, the second most of all time, and 20 Grand Slam singles titles, along with a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, five U.S. Open titles, and six Australian Open wins. He also won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

The Swiss-born tennis legend competed against fellow greats Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic for several years, who has widely become known as the sport’s Big Three. In 2003, Federer won his first major singles title at Wimbledon at age 21. Between 2003 and 2009, he made 21 out of 28 major singles finals.

“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,” Federer added.

“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.”

Federer’s announcement comes a few weeks after fellow icon Serena Williams announced her intentions to “evolve away” from the sport in an article for Vogue.

Williams, 40, played what is expected to be her final match against Ajla Tomljanović at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she lost in three sets.

Federer thanked his wife and family, as well as the fans, for all of the love and support.

“The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure,” he said. “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.”