Roger Federer Retires from Professional Tennis Next Week

Ukpono Anietie, PH.

Roger Federer has announced that he will be retiring from professional tennis.

Federer announced on social media that his playing days as a tennis player will come to an end after Laver Cup next week in the ATP finals at London.

The last three years have seen him struggle with recurrent knee injuries allowing his record of Grand Slam surpassed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

According to Federer, “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.

READ ALSO: Coco Gauff Loses to French Counterpart, Carolina Garcia in US Open

“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 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.

“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.”

Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 singles titles in his playing career.