After the 2022 Laver Cup, Roger Federer will end his career as a professional tennis player, according to an announcement the Swiss tennis icon put out on Thursday.
After a protracted battle with injuries, Federer declared that he will not participate in any more Grand Slams or the ATP Tour. The year’s Laver Cup, an event he helped create, will, therefore, be an emotional one for the Swiss, who has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles during his storied career.
In his lengthy statement, Federer thanked everyone who had supported him during his career and thought back on the amazing journey he had taken in the sport. He wrote, “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 capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old, I’ve played more than 1500 matches over 24 years, tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.
“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. 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.”
After enduring a third knee operation, the 41-year-old has not competed since the 2021 Wimbledon semifinals and will now retire at the Laver Cup in London, which runs from September 23 to 25.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
