Tennis legend Roger Federer announced on Thursday that he is retiring from professional tennis at the age of 41.
Federer shared the news in a written statement and a video on social media, marking the end of the career of one of the sport’s top athletes.
“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,” Federer shared.
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
The winner of 20 Grand Slam titles noted injuries and age as factors behind his decision.
“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,” Federer said. “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.”
His final match will include Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray competing with Team Europe on September 23-25 at the London Laver Cup.
“The Laver Cup next week in London 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,” he revealed.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
The tennis great called his retirement “a bittersweet decision,” saying he would miss “everything the tour has given me,” but also looked forward to time to “celebrate” other areas of life.
Federer’s titles rank third among men, behind only Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21). He is also the oldest men’s tennis professional to be ranked No. 1 in the ATP rankings at 36 years old in 2018, according to ESPN.
In 2009, Federer won the Roland-Garros to achieve a coveted Grand Slam. He also won eight championships at Wimbledon, six at the Australian Open, five at the U.S. Open, and one at the French Open.
Federer thanked his wife, Mirka, also a tennis player, in his retirement statement, which ended with a message to his fans and supporters.
“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,” he wrote. “Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”