Roger Federer, a tennis legend, is ending his 24-year career in the sport. The news was revealed on Thursday by the Swiss player in a letter that was tweeted.
Federer declared that his final ATP match will be the Laver Cup in London the following week. Having undergone numerous operations and injuries, he claimed to be aware of his “body’s capacities and limits.” He recorded himself reading the letter and uploaded it online.
“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 wrote. “I will play more tennis, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”
In 2018, he became the oldest player to be ranked number one at age 36. He also owns the professional tennis record for the most weeks in a row at number one, with 237. The 41-year-old has won 20 Grand Slam titles. Over the course of more over 1,500 matches, he set an ATP record with 11,478 aces served.
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” Federer said in a statement. However, there are also a lot of reasons to rejoice. I count myself among the lucky individuals on the planet.”
As a teenager, Federer became a professional tennis player and developed legendary rivalries with other greats Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
In the heartfelt message, he expressed gratitude to his sister, his parents, his wife Mirka, and his business team. Federer’s career earnings totaled over $130 million. Wilson, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, Uniqlo, Moet Hennessey, and Credit Suisse are some of his sponsors.
He alluded to the prospect of retiring during the U.S. Open in late August, stating that it was “almost time to retire — but not yet.” He later pulled that comment back, calling it “a total joke,” as reported by NBC Sports.
In closing the letter, Federer wrote, “Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.” Federer did not specify what he intended to do after retiring from the tour.
