September 16, 2022
At the age of 41 Swiss tennis star Roger Federer will be stepping away from the game he dominated for years. The 20 time grand slam winner made the announcement yesterday in a four page letter posted on social media.
He cited health reasons as the motivating factor in his decision to retire from competitive tennis: "As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges int he form of injuries and surgeries. I've worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body's capacities and limited, and its message to me lately has been clear."
The 8 time Wimbledon winner thanked his wife, parents, team and sponsors for their unwavering support during his illustrious career. He also thanked his competitors and dedicated fans for challenging and cheering him on after an impressive two decades in the game.
Since picking up a racket at age 8 the tennis phenom has amazed the world with his incredible power and skill on the court. By age 14 he was junior champion in Switzerland.
Over his 24 year career his accomplishments are too numerous to count: Competing in 31 Grand Slam Tournaments winning the title 20 times, winning a gold and silver medal in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics respectively, winning a record 4 US Open titles consecutively, and holding the #1 world rank for 237 consecutive weeks.
Serena Williams, who recently retired after competing in the US Open, congratulated her longtime friend with photos of the two captured over the years. The pair is no stranger to competition, playing against each other for the first time in 2019 for a mixed doubles match in which Federer won. "I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people - including me - and we will never forget" she said, "I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you @rogerfederer"
Rafael Nadal also responded to the news of his friend and greatest rival: "I wish this day would have never come… it’s a sad day for me personally and for sports people around the world. I said it to you when we spoke and now it’s here." he laments, "It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that."
Federer will compete in his last tournament this month, the Laver Cup, a tournament held in London between Team Europe and Team Word. His mark has definitely been left on the game and those coming after him certainly have large shoes to fill. We doubt this will be the last we hear and see of the GOAT. He currently has a sneaker line, THE ROGERS Clubhouse Mid, through a collaboration with Swiss shoe company On.
Comments