Swiss star Roger Federer has brought down the curtain on his brilliant career in the world of tennis, after announcing his permanent retirement today, following the end of the Laver Cup.
Sharjah 24 – Asaad Khalil:
Swiss tennis player Roger Federer, 41, has announced his retirement from tennis after the end of the Laver Cup.
Federer, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles in singles, missed all season for knee surgery but was expected to return in 2023.
Federer was about to return to the Laver Cup in London, a competition he helped create, and has now decided it would be his last professional tournament.
“Next week’s Laver Cup in London will be my last ATP competition,” the Swiss wrote on social media on Thursday. “I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but obviously not in the Grand Slam or ATP tournaments.”
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgery,” added Federer. “I worked hard to get back in full competitive form.”
Federer added: “But I also know my body’s capabilities and limitations, and his message has been clear to me lately.”
Federer’s announcement of his retirement comes just weeks after veteran American star Serena Williams announced his retirement.
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 games in 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I could ever have dreamed of and now I have to realize that this is the time to end my competitive career”, the Swiss explained. .
Federer won his last four Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2018, before the curse of injury chased him, causing him to lose the record for most crowned player in the four major men’s singles competitions.
The record was set by Spanish star Rafael Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles, beating his closest opponent, Novak Djokovic, by just one title.
And while the numbers only tell part of the story, many critics seem to agree that no player has ever made tennis as easy as Federer, who was of high moral character both on and off the court.
Federer won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 at the “Wimbledon” England Open, after which he revealed his immense talent after a few missteps as a young player in ATP competitions.
Federer quickly established absolute domination of the ATP and major tournaments, winning eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles, including five in a row before losing the epic final to Nadal in 2008.
Federer has been topping the ATP rankings for 237 consecutive weeks, noting that he has won the Australian Open 6 times, and also has 5 titles in the US Open “Flushing Meadows”, as well as a title in the French “Roland Garros” championship in 2009. , to complete the series his incredible successes in Grand Slam tournaments.
Federer’s successes in his career with the white game included gold medal in doubles competitions at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as individual silver at the 2012 London Olympics.
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