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ESPN NEWS SERVICE
Roger Federer after a series Retired from professional tennis at the age of 41 from knee surgery, ending his career winning 20 Grand Slam titles, finishing five seasons at No. 1 and helping rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djoko Together, Vicky created the golden age of men’s tennis.
“As many of you know, the last three years have presented me with injuries and surgical challenges,” Federer posted on his social media account Thursday. said in the post. “I’m working hard to get back to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capabilities and limits, and the message it’s given me lately is clear.
“I am 41 years old this year. . For 24 years, I have played in over 1500 games. Tennis has treated me more generously than ever, and now I have to realize when it’s time to end my competitive career. ”
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles are third among men’s players behind contemporaries Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21).
Federer says he intends to keep playing tennis, “but not at a major or tour. “He has not played since reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2021 and announced in mid-August that he would undergo knee surgery again.
But he had Appearing at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Centre Court, the English club said in July that he wanted to “come back again”. He also said he would return to the Swiss Indoor Championships in October.
It was a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the Tour has given me,” Federer said. “But at the same time, there’s a lot to celebrate. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on the planet. I’ve been given a special talent to play tennis, and I’ve reached a level that I’ve never imagined before than I could have imagined. Longer.”
Nadal expressed similar sentiment, tweeting, “I hope this day never comes,” but also thankful for the opportunity “Share all the years with you, so many wonderful moments on and off the court.”
Dear Roger, my friend and adversary. I hope this day is never will come. This is a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
Delighted but also honored with You share so many great moments living on and off the pitch over the years👇🏻— Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
In the future we will have more There are so many moments to share and so much to do together, we know.
Now, I sincerely wish you and your Happy wife, Mirka, your kids, your family, enjoy what’s in front of you. See @LaverCup in London — RafaelNadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022Federer, Nadal Dahl, Djokovic and Andy Murray will play together for the first time as part of the European squad for the Laver Cup in London from September 23-25. Named after Australian great Rod Laver, the three-day team event is run by Federer’s management company and pits six top European players against six from the rest of the world.
Tony Goldsick, Federer’s agent since 2005, told The Associated Press that Federer had recently had problems recovering from knee surgery.
“A few weeks after Wimbledon, he told me that the knee wasn’t responding as he should and that he was thinking of a way to end his career,” Godsick said in a phone interview said in. “I suggested to him a few years ago that he should stop. Very few tennis players at his level get into the 40s. But he was always interested in challenging himself. At the end of the day, after 1500+ games, the tires finally Exhausted. He has things to do in the next phase.”
Federer left with 103 tour titles and 1,251 singles victories on his stellar resume, both of which Second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era, which began in 1968. Federer’s record includes being the oldest No. 1 in ATP Ranking history – he returned to the top in 2018 at age 36 – and consecutive weeks; beyond.
Federer’s dominance at his peak was unparalleled, including reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals from 2005 to 2007, winning 8, and 19 in 2010. There are also 18 entries in the main final.
Changes in surface and other conditions in the sport can get even the best players excited about playing here and there From 2013 to 2013, he reached the quarter-finals 36 times in a row and reached the semi-finals 23 times in a row.
“Roger Federer is a champion of champions. He has the most complete game of his generation, captivating sports fans around the world with incredible speed and a strong tennis mind. heart,” said Hall of Famer Billie Jean King. “He had a historic career and his memory will live on.”
When Federer won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, Pitt Sampras holds the record for the men’s title; the American had won his 14th victory at the U.S. Open the previous year, which turned out to be the last of his career.
Federer would go on to surpass that, eventually winning 8 at Wimbledon 20 times, 6 at the Australian Open, 5 at the US Open and 1 at the French Open . His trophy at the French Open in 2009 allowed Federer to complete his career Grand Slam.
His serve, forehand, footwork and attacking style will all be remembered. Equally memorable are his matches against younger rivals Nadal, 36, and Djokovic, 35, who both tied and surpassed Federer’s Grand Slam total and remain in the sport’s top four. win the championship.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in so many epic matches that I’ll never forget,” Federer said in Thursday’s announcement. Although not named, he wrote in addressing his “competitors on the court”: “We pushed each other to take tennis to the next level together.”
Federer and his wife, Mirka—also a tennis player; they met as athletes at the Olympics—have two sets of twins.
