Roger Federer is retiring from tennis at age 41, after a series of knee operations. The tennis star has won 20 Grand Slam titles, finished five seasons ranked No. 1 and helped create a golden era of men’s tennis with rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer said Thursday in a post on his social media accounts. “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 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamed, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”
Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles rank him third all time among men’s players behind rivals Nadal (22 Grand Slams) and Djokovic (21 Grand Slams).
Federer said he plans to keep playing tennis, “but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.” He has not played a competitive match ever since the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2021 and announced in mid-August that he had underwent another knee surgery.
Tony Godsick, Federer’s agent since 2005, told The Associated Press that Federer had been having issues in his latest recovery from knee surgery.
“A few weeks after Wimbledon, he informed me that the knee was not reacting as well as it should and that he was thinking about figuring out a way to end his career,” Godsick said. “I had suggested to him years ago that he should stop. Not many tennis players at his level push into their 40s. But he was always interested in challenging himself. And at the end of the day, after 1,500-plus matches, the tires finally wore out. And he’s got things to do in his next stage.”
The tennis star had appeared at an event marking the 100th anniversary of Centre Court at the All England Club in July and said he hoped to return playing there “one more time.” He also said he would return to tournament action at the Swiss Indoors in October.
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” Federer said. “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.”
Nadal expressed similar sentiment, tweeting, “Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray are set to play together for the first time when they compete Sept. 23-25 as part of Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London. This three-day team event, which is run by Federer’s management company, pits six of Europe’s top players against six from the rest of the world.
Federer hangs up his tennis racket with 103 tour-level titles on his resumé and 1,251 wins in singles matches, both second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era, which started in 1968. Federer’s records include being the oldest No. 1 in ATP rankings history – he returned to the top spot at 36 in 2018 – and most consecutive weeks there; his total-weeks mark was eclipsed by Djokovic.
“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and a powerful tennis mind,” Hall of Famer Billie Jean King said. “He has had a historic career with memories that will live on and on.”
Federer’s serving, forehand, footwork and attacking style will forever make him remembered. Also unforgettable were his matches against his rivals Nadal, 36, and Djokovic, 35, who both equaled, then surpassed, Federer’s Slam total and are still winning titles at tennis’s four biggest tournaments.
“I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget,” Federer said in Thursday’s announcement. Acknowledging his “competitors on the court”, though not by name, he wrote: “We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels.”
Serena Williams, who also recently retired from the sport, sent a tribute of her own to Federer.
“I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly done, just like your career,” Williams said in an Instagram post.
“I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future.
“Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you @rogerfederer.”
