Swiss legend Roger Federer has revealed that he will bid farewell to professional tennis after the conclusion of the Laver Cup 2022, sparking massive reaction from tennis enthusiasts.
In what marks the end of an era in the world of sports, Swiss legend Roger Federer on Thursday announced he would retire from professional tennis after the Laver Cup 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who played enthralling tennis over the years, shared a lengthy note across his social media accounts about his retirement plans.
Federer has had trouble making the cut in big events over the past three years, though he is already embracing the end of his illustrious tennis career. The Swiss legend has played over 1500 matches throughout his 24-year, trophy-filled career and enjoyed a captivating on-court rivalry with Serbian great Novak Djokovic and 23-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.
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Federer pens heartwarming letter to announce retirement from professional tennis
"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," Federer said in an emotional statement.
"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 recognize when it is time to end my competitive career," the Swiss legend added.
"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," Federer noted.
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"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 8 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," he said.
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN
"I would also like to thank and recognize 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," Federer added.
"I really want to thank and acknowledge my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, 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 are all incredible and I have loved every minute with you," the 20-time Grand Slam champion stated.
"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," Federer said.
"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 Swiss ace added.
"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," Federer concluded.
(1/2) Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career w/memories that will live on and on. pic.twitter.com/zxGq4izh1v
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing)How tennis fans reacted to Federer's announcement to retire after Laver Cup 2022:
Federer's last match anywhere came on July 7, 2021, when he lost at Centre Court in the Wimbledon quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0. Soon after, the Swiss ace had surgery to repair damage to his meniscus and cartilage in his right knee - his third operation on that knee in a span of 1 1/2 years. Hence, his retirement news does not come as a surprise to many, but millions of his fans have been left heartbroken to see their G.O.A.T. bid farewell to a sport he has graced for years, being an inspiration to countless.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on Twitter:
"End of an Era"https://t.co/NyM8hw4dPf Athlete https://t.co/rMdAxCjvDM
— रवि 🇮🇳 (@Rav_i__)GOAT 🙏 Thank you for enriching the game of tennis and countless memories 🫶 https://t.co/1YkS49eTFu
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)If there was an iron throne for tennis, Roger would be on it forever! https://t.co/PWbrp0lChP
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD)You defined competitiveness with grace, intensity with humility, excellence with learning.
You have been my teacher. And I hope I get to thank you one day in person.
Thank you 🥹 https://t.co/t3Apiw15qK
I hate 24 . First Sachin and now Roger . Guys it’s over. Need to start life fresh … https://t.co/Q03YcLfpXx
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye)A champion of the highest order.
Congratulations on an incredible career . https://t.co/uyjCAag7q6
What a heartfelt message , full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!!
Xoxoxo https://t.co/2s1Aw5SpJ5
Tearing up just listening to this. We love you Roger 😢 https://t.co/n2YsJJkIfC
— Jessie Pegula (@JLPegula)G G O O A A T T
Thank you for making our lives richer, way more exciting and never failing to leave us in absolute wonderment with how you played the game! https://t.co/ar4pq8uuYO
The end of an extraordinary career.... It's been a pleasure watching someone who played the class and elegance against "power players" and come out on top. Congratulations https://t.co/Kj0BU0L92p
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok)Legends never retire ! https://t.co/KVZ4A7SR1M
— Anand Singh 🇮🇳 (@shavakanand)💔. Some of Fed’s numbers are laughably impossible to top (23 straight slam semifinals, for instance) but his impact on tennis far exceeds what he accomplished on court. Thanks for everything, RF 🐐. https://t.co/HiGsPGeikA
— John Isner (@JohnIsner)Not this 😭 My hero https://t.co/rOE6q4P8pm
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5)You’ve been THE best ambassador with your amazing grace & dignity over the years.
Thanks Roger for enthralling the world with your skills and many congratulations on a fantastic career 👏 https://t.co/1esx0Zy54n
The retirement statement possibly even more elegant than the backhand… https://t.co/nTuLXncPBj
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell)Legend of the game. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/zztdM9THmc
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)You changed the game, . ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XIyDzCMTuk
— ATP Tour (@atptour)BREAKING: Roger Federer is retiring from tennis. For me, he’s the greatest, and classiest, to ever play the game. A genius. Thanks for all the entertainment 👍👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/7y4VN5Yv45
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan)Farewell to the GOAT!
Congratulations on an immense career 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5RfAGINvPR
Grace and elegance personified, the title of GOAT suits you well . Thank you for all the memories, champ. pic.twitter.com/LuerDLjHbl
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03)Roger - you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game. I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won’t be the same without you! Thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tAGirtB5m4
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova)Good luck n best wishes Champion 🙏🏻💐 https://t.co/6Jo1PgVdf2
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI)When the dream came true 🏆 | pic.twitter.com/hd6IUZN5wH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)