Roger Federer retires from professional tennis, Laver Cup to be his final event

 
On Thursday, Roger Federer decided to call time on a glorious 24-year tennis career by taking to his social media accounts to share the news. Federer hasn’t been able to play consistently in the last few years due to injury woes and knee surgeries. The Swiss great revealed his body was indicating that its time to stop and he finally took the hard decision.

FedEx, as he is renownedly known, will take part in the Laver Cup, which will be his last hurrah. Roger Federer made his professional career back in 1998 and quickly rose through the ranks. The Swiss Maestro won a total of 20 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, with the first one coming back in 2003 Wimbledon.

Federer won a total of eight Wimbledon titles, six Australian Open crowns, five US Open, and a solitary French Open title. The legendary player played 1526 matches, winning 1251, stayed at number one rankings for 310 weeks, and won a total of 103 titles. Furthermore, he never retired during a match in his career.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer said in an 845-word statement posted on social media.

“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 recognize when it’s 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.”

Federer will be seen in action in the Laver Cup, which will begin on 23rd September in London.