With a career that spans nearly two decades and an unprecedented run of dominance, there isn’t much about Roger Federer you didn’t already know.
Even most fans would likely be surprised by some of the facts about the tennis legend, from his childhood in a small Swiss town and his first exposure to tennis to his connection to another famous tennis player and records after records. He is a legend.
Source: Instagram
It was a day that no tennis fan would have ever expected: Roger Federer announced on Thursday, September 15, 2022, that he was retiring from professional tennis. The legendary player made his announcement on social media Twitter.
The greatest tennis player of all time. Even if you’re not a fan of the Tennis sport, you’ve probably heard about the Swiss prodigy.
Roger Federer last appearance was last year’s Wimbledon. In that competition, he reached the quarter-finals.
Reasons Why Italy Did not Qualify For The World Cup? >>
His final Grand Slam triumph was at the 2018 Australian Open, when, aged 36. He also has the record of being the second-oldest man to win a major singles title in the Open era.
Similarly, he has dominated the game from his debut in 1998 and maintained his status as one of the greatest players ever until last year.
His record books are full of titles: he won 20 Grand Slam titles. He was ATP World No 1 for an astonishing 237 consecutive weeks.
Likewise, Roger became the first man to win 20 or more titles on six different surfaces. However, it wasn’t easy for him to get to where he is today. He is the definition of hard work and success.
Source: Instagram
All these achievements have made Roger a beloved figure in tennis, but they also make him a sensitive subject for many people around the world who have witnessed his struggles.
To those who love him, Roger Federer retirement is an emotional as well as a new era. We might see him more quickly in the court advocating or coaching.
Federer’s decision might be the reason for recently injured of his. This tennis star has undergone three knee surgeries.
His injuries have limited his appearances on tour. Likewise, he has played in just three of the 11 Grand Slams staged since the start of 2020.
Federer is set to feature in exhibition matches, but the Laver Cup, where he will represent Team Europe, will be his last competition on the ATP tour.
Here is a video by Roger to his Fans:
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Roger Federer Retirement Statement
” 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. 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 capacity 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.
The Laver Cup in London next week 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 you 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. 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 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.
When my love of tennis started, I was a bull kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.
So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true.
Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you. “
