Srinagar: After more than 1500 matches spanning over 24 years, Tennis legend Roger Federer has announced his retirement from professional tennis.
Federer on Thursday announced that Laver Cup 2022 would be his last professional tennis outing.
Former World No.1 player shared a lengthy note to open up about his retirement plans.
“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 said in an emotional statement shared on Twitter.
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize 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,” Federer added.
Born in Basel, Federer has featured in six ATP Tour Finals. He has won 1,251 games and lost 275 matches in his glittering career. The legendary tennis player has won $130,594,339 in prize money. Federer remained the World’s No.1 player for 310 weeks. With teammate Stan Wawrinka, the 41-year-old won the doubles gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. A winner of the 2014 Davis Cup, the 20-time Grand Slam winner has also won the Hopman Cup in 2001, 2018 and 2019.