One of the top tennis players ever has called it a career. Swiss star Roger Federer, whose 103 career ATP titles are second only to Jimmy Connors and whose 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles are behind only Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21), announced Thursday that he’ll be retiring from the sport at 41 following next week’s Laver Cup (a Team Europe-Team World tournament) in London. Here’s the statement Federer (seen above in July being honored as a past champion at Wimbledon, a tournament where he won a record eight men’s singles titles) tweeted, citing the injuries he’s been battling:
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Here are the first two paragraphs of that statement typed out:
“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 have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”
Many media members and fans had notable tributes to Federer:
The retirement of Roger Federer signals the end of the golden age of men’s tennis. Federer, Rafa and Novak are the only 3 men with 20 or more slams to their names and they did it all playing at the same time. Remarkable pic.twitter.com/m79h09W4KD
— trey wingo (@wingoz) September 15, 2022
My first memory of seeing Roger Federer was his upset of 4 time Wimbledon champ Pete Sampras in 2001. He didn’t win the tournament but I recall thinking, if tennis players were a stock, I would’ve invested a ton on that lithe kid from Switzerland. 20 majors later, among the GOAT. pic.twitter.com/lHCwa1Vyyh
— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) September 15, 2022
There have been few champions in the history of any sport as admired as Roger Federer – which is a testament to his class, sportsmanship and regard for the fans, every bit as much as his greatness. Thank you Roger, it was a pleasure to watch. pic.twitter.com/sBGjRKrYrg
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) September 15, 2022
Roger Federer aged 41, to retire.
– 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men's singles Wimbledon titles
– Won 103 ATP singles titles, second most behind Jimmy Connors.
– Ranked world#1 for 310 weeks, incl a record 237 consecutive weeks
– finished year-end #1 five times.— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 15, 2022
Tennis will never be the same again. Thank you for your grace, elegance, brilliance and sportsmanship – both on and off the court. Thank you for the tennis Master Federer. You will always be the greatest. Beyond all records and numbers. #rogerfederer https://t.co/utKna2E6cT
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) September 15, 2022
As many noted, too, this comes only weeks after Serena Williams retired with 23 women’s Grand Slam singles titles:
43 major titles between these two 🐐🐐@rogerfederer | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/VTGEDXocGK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/1570402323381489666
43 singles slam titles champions retired within 2 weeks to each other
serena williams
roger federer pic.twitter.com/R5rJLJ8EGn— enrico maria riva (@enricomariariva) September 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/AaronWherry/status/1570406653559816193
The tennis world is certainly going to be a different place without Federer and Williams.
[Roger Federer on Twitter]
