Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Roger Federer followed Serena Williams to the exit, leaving competitive tennis at age 41 as one of the most decorated players of all-time.
Federer, who has 20 Grand Slam titles, plans a farewell appearance at the Laver Cup in London next week. He said it would be his final regular appearance in competitive tennis.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented many challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer said in a statement 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’m 41 years old. I’ve 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 is time to end my competitive career.”
Only rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic own more Grand Slam singles titles than Federer, who said he plans to keep playing tennis outside of Grand Slams and the ATP Tour. The trio, along with Andy Murray, comprise Team Europe at the Laver Cup, which begins Sept. 23.
Federer last played competitively at Wimbledon in 2021 and underwent knee surgery in August.
–Field Level Media