Roger Federer, regarded as one of the greatest to ever pick up a racket, will retire after next week’s Laver Cup in London.
The 20-time grand slam champion has had such an amazing run over his 24-year career.
Taking to social media, Federer broke the news to his fans just hours ago.
“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,” Federer said.
The 41-year-old’s knee injury last year meant losing out on Wimbledon, although many still hoped he could come back for one last golden farewell. But he said his age had finally caught up with him.
“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 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it’s time to end my competitive career,” Federer continued.
The effect that this classy tennis great has had on the world has been incredible. So well loved not just overseas, but also on home soil. Now that Federer has announced his retirement, other tennis stars are starting to relive the interactions they had with Federer.
One of those tennis stars being our very own, Thanasi Kokkinakis. Reminiscing on his journey of winning his first ATP title in Adelaide, Kokkinakis revealed a message that Federer sent to him proving what a true class act the athlete is.
“Maiden title at home big fella, Love the sound of that Thanaser amazing… Keep going.”
The statement was met with such praise and admiration. Just one of the many times that Federer has proven to be a gentleman of the sport.
But it’s not the first time that Federer has been linked to Adelaide. Back in 1999, Federer was training in Adelaide with then coach the late Peter Carter. At the time he was number 64 in the world. After that moment, Federer’s star only shone brighter in Australia.
Federer has had some historic wins in Oz, winning six of his 20 grand slam singles titles at the Australian Open.
He was actually the first man to win 20 grand slam singles titles, including an unprecedented eight championships on the grass of SW19.
A world number one for a record 237 consecutive weeks, Federer will forever be in DNA of the professional sporting world.
The tennis legend finished his statement by thanking the not only of the sport of tennis, but also the fans.
“So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who 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,” Federer continued.
Read the full statement here.
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