Federer released a “bittersweet decision” via a written statement and audio clip on Thursday, less than a week after 23-time champion Serena Williams played the final match of her career. Combined, the retirements of two of the greatest athletes in their sport’s history represent a significant turning of the page. “As many of you know, the last three years have brought me challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I have worked hard to get back to full match fitness,” said Federer, who is in Switzerland. “But I also know my body’s capabilities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YxtVWrlXIF — @rogerfederer Federer hasn’t played anywhere since Wimbledon in July 2021, so in that sense, his news isn’t all that surprising. However, he had appeared at an event to mark the 100th anniversary of Center Court at the All England Club this July and said he hoped to return to play there “one more time”. He had also said he would return to tournaments in his country at the Swiss Indoors in October. In Thursday’s announcement, Federer said his farewell event would be the Laver Cup in London next week. This is a group event organized by its management company. “I knew a few weeks ago that his rehabilitation with his knee was not going as well as he had hoped. A few weeks after Wimbledon, he informed me that the knee was not responding as it should and that he was thinking of finding a way to end his career.” Tony Goncik, Federer’s agent since 2005, said in a telephone interview Thursday. “I suggested to him years ago that he should stop. Not many tennis players at his level make it to their 40s. But he was always interested in challenging himself,” Godsick said. “And at the end of the day, after 1,500-plus races, the tires are finally worn. And he has things to do in his next phase.” WATCHES | Federer wins 8th Wimbledon title:
Match Description: Roger Federer wins a record 8th men’s Wimbledon title
Federer defeated Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to win his 19th Grand Slam. He also passes Pete Sampras and William Renshaw with his 8th men’s Wimbledon title. Federer and his wife, Mirka, are also tennis players. met as Olympic athletes — they have twins, 13-year-old girls and 8-year-old boys. Federer leaves the sport with a total of 103 tour-level titles on his considerable resume and 1,251 singles match wins, both second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era, which began in 1968. Federer’s records include being the oldest No. 1 in ATP Rankings history — he returned to the top spot at No. 36 in 2018 — and most consecutive weeks there (his total of weeks eclipsed by Djokovic). The dominance shown by Federer at the height of his powers is unparalleled, including reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, winning eight, from 2005-07, a streak that also extended to 18 of 19 major finals in 2010. In a sport where changes in surface and other conditions can make even the best players excited about an appearance here or there in the second week of a Slam, Federer has amassed a streak of 36 straight quarterfinals and 23 straight semifinals since 2004 .until 2013. “Roger Federer is a champion of champions. He has the most complete game of his generation, and he won the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing speed on the court and a strong tennis mind,” said Billie Jean King at the Hall of Famer. “He had a storied career with memories that will live on and on.” (2/2) Congratulations We wish you the best as your journey continues. —@BillieJeanKing When Federer won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, the men’s record for most major trophies was held by Pete Sampras, who had won his 14th at the US Open the previous year in what turned out to be his last American’s fight. career. Federer would go on to surpass that, finishing with 20 by winning eight Wimbledon titles, six at the Australian Open, five at the US Open and one at the French Open. The 2009 Roland Garros trophy allowed Federer to complete a career Grand Slam. Federer leaves the court after a win at Wimbledon in 2021. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/The Associated Press) His serve, forehand, footwork and attacking style will live on in our memory. Also memorable were his matches with younger rivals Nadal, 36, and Djokovic, 35, who equaled, then surpassed, Federer’s Slam total and still wins titles at the sport’s four biggest tournaments. “I wish this day had never come,” Nadal said. “It’s a sad day for me personally and for athletes around the world. I told you when we spoke and now it’s here. It’s been a joy but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments in and off the floor”. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still many things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your children, your family and enjoy what lies ahead. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup —@RafaelNadal Nadal now leads the men’s major with 22, one ahead of Djokovic. “I’ve been lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I’ll never forget,” Federer said in Thursday’s announcement. Addressing his “competitors on the court” – though not by name – he wrote: “We pushed each other and together we took tennis to new levels.” Federer’s last match was on 7 July 2021, when he lost on Center Court in the Wimbledon quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz 6–3, 7–6 (4), 6–0. Soon after, Federer underwent surgery to repair damage to the meniscus and cartilage in his right knee—his third operation on that knee in 1-½ years. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I could have ever dreamed of,” Federer said Thursday, “and now I have to recognize when it’s time to end my competitive career.”
