Another all-time tennis star retires: Roger Federer

Hanging up his racquet following Serena Williams just days after her final match, Roger Federer announces that he is about to end his 24 years career. The tennis star has shared a letter on social media about his retirement, after winning 20 Grand Slam titles. In his letter, he states that “this is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate.” Roger goes on to confess: “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.”

The 41 years old star also says that one decisive factor has been the recent episodes of injury, as for the last 3 years, Federer has had severe numerous knee issues. He also had three surgeries for his right knee since 2020, putting his health at risk and decreasing the times he would play tennis. Since 2020, Federer has played occasionally but he missed Wimbledon this year for the first time since 1999. He also missed the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Opens. Federer talked about the latest health problems he had in an interview with GQ. For him, it is crucial to listen to your body and recognize the moment to retire. He also spoke about the difference between a 20-year-old athlete recovering in contrast to a 40-year-old tennis player, and how the body reacts and recovers at different stages in life.

According to his declarations, the athlete recognizes this moment for retirement as he does not wish to stick around just for sticking around. Even though he loves his fans and discovering new places in the world means a lot to him, the challenge is abusing his body, which he is not willing to do anymore. The tennis star is one of the most prolific athletes, having won 103 tour singles titles and 20 Grand Slam titles. The last Grand Slam title comes from the Australian Open in 2018, and he was the third after Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21). Federer appeared on the global scene in the 2000s, beating Pete Sampras in an exquisite Wimbledon upset in 2001, before succeeding in his first Grand Slam at the same tournament in 2003. After that, he became the sport’s most venerated superstar on and off the court where he pulled up massive approval payments, and was famous for his elegant play and noble behavior.

There is a New York Times article headlined “Roger Federer as Religious Experience” written by David Foster Wallace, describing the amazing and skillful play of Federer. Wallace wrote in his article that “A top athlete’s beauty is next to impossible to describe directly. Or to evoke. Federer’s forehand is a great liquid whip, his backhand a one-hander that he can drive flat, load with topspin, or slice — the slice with such snap that the ball turns shapes in the air and skids on the grass to maybe ankle height."

“I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game.”

Back to Federer's retirement, the athlete thanks his wife as well as the children, then goes on to thank the coaches and all the other tennis players he played against. The last event for Federer will be the Laver Cup for Team Europe, where he will play with Nadal. The retirement of mythical athletes like Federer represents a generational evolution in tennis, and will only bring new talents like Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz on the front pages of sports magazines and so much more.