File image of Roger Federer© AFP
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is set to retire from next week’s Laver Cup after admitting on Thursday his battles with a knee problem had forced him to take time off from his historic career. “The Laver Cup next week in London will be my last ATP event,” he said in a statement on social media. The 41-year-old winner of 20 Grand Slam titles has been eliminated since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021, before undergoing his third knee surgery in 18 months. “The past 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure,” he wrote.
Federer has struggled for the past three years with a knee problem that limits him to just three of the 11 Grand Slams held since the start of 2020. only Slam played on grass.
“Roger, where do we start?” Wimbledon tweeted. “It was a privilege to witness your journey and to watch you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will so miss the sight of you adorning our courts, but all we can say now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.”
Wimbledon also posted a video of his interview after winning the first Grand Slam – the 2003 Wimbledon.
When the dream came true @rogerfederer | #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/hd6IUZN5wH
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022
His fellow tennis legend Serena Williams is unlikely to play again after dropping out of the third round of the US Open this month.
Federer said his body had effectively told him it was time to pull down the curtain.
“I’ve been working hard to get back to full competitive form,” he wrote.
“But I also know my body’s capabilities and limits, and the message I’ve been giving me lately has been clear.
promoted
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 games in 24 years.
“Tennis has treated me more generously than I could have ever dreamed, and now I have to recognize when it’s time to end my competitive career.”
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