By Victor Kanayo
Tennis star, Roger Federer, the winner of 20 major singles titles and a face of men’s tennis for two decades, announced his retirement from the sports on Thursday.
Since winning his first major at Wimbledon in 2003, Roger Federer has been among a trio of dominant players who have regularly topped ranking for much of this century; he, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Nadal has won 22 grand slam singles titles and Djokovic has 21 major trophies on his mantel.
Roger Federer said his final competitive matches will be at the Laver Cup in London, starting September 23, 2022.
In a lengthy statement, Federer paid tribute to everyone that has helped him through his career and reflected on the incredible journey he has been on in the sport.
Part of the statement read, “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’ve played more than 1500 matches over 24 years, tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now 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, my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible. A big thank you to all my former coaches who always guide 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, Danny, Roland, and particularly Seve 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’re all incredible, and I’ve loved 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.”
Meanwhile, another tennis sensation Serena Williams hinted that she may follow in NFL superstar Tom Brady’s footsteps as she she teased a possible return from retirement.
It is expected that the US open would be the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s final tournament after she announced she was ‘evolving away’ from tennis last month.
The 40-year-old appeared to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career in Flushing Meadows as she met her final match in World No. 46 Ajla Tomljanovic, falling to defeat against the Australian in a three-set thriller 7-5 6-7 6-1 during the third round of the US Open.
However, the American star suggested she could copy Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brady, who briefly retired during the NFL offseason earlier this year before making a U-turn on the decision.
