ROGER FEDERER has announced his shock retirement at the age of 41.
The Swiss legend won an outrageous 20 Grand Slam titles during his illustrious career.
ReutersRoger Federer has emotionally retired from tennis after failing to recover from injury[/caption]
ReutersFederer won eight Wimbledon titles during his career including five in a row between 2003 and 2007[/caption]
GettyRoger Federer enjoyed a superb decades-long rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal[/caption]
Getty – ContributorRoger Federer thanks wife Mirka, as well as family, rivals and coaches, for their influence on his incredible career[/caption]
EPARoger Federer has waved goodbye to tennis after an illustrious career[/caption]
Federer has been sorely hampered by injuries in recent seasons.
But the classy tennis ace had been targeting a return to the court – and even vowed to return to Wimbledon one last time before hanging up his racket.
However, Federer has now revealed he can no longer keep up with the pace as he’s struggled to return to full fitness.
Federer announced the news in a lengthy letter, shared on Instagram, revealing he will keep playing – including a match against the Princess of Wales – but not on the pro tour.
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The tennis legend wrote: “As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries.
“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 dear. I am 41 years old.
“I have 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 recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.
“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event.
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“I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”
Federer called his decision “bittersweet” before thanking his wife, Mirka, four children, parents, sister, former coaches and even on-court rivals for their influence during his illustrious career.
Emotionally, he added: “I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive.
“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true.
“Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
Wimbledon led the tributes to Federer after his shock retirement – and were followed by a host of players, past and present.
The official SW19 Twitter account wrote: Wimbledon tweeted: “Roger, where do we begin? It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
“We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.”
The ATP Tour issued its own tribute, simply saying: “You changed the game, #RForever.”
Federer won his first Grand Slam 19 years ago, way back in 2003 at Wimbledon.
The Swiss icon won THREE of 2004’s four majors, only failing to win the French Open.
Federer went on to utterly dominate the 2000s and even into the 2010s despite being forced to compete with fellow legends Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Federer’s final Slam title saw him successfully retain his Australian Open crown – in fact, he failed to drop a set until the final, when he battled past Marin Cilic in five sets.
GRASS COURT KING
The Swiss idol won a record eight singles titles at Wimbledon and won 65 consecutive matches won on grass between 2003 to 2008, such was his dominance on the surface.
In all, Federer managed to win 20 Grand Slam titles – reaching 31 finals – but had fallen behind Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21) in recent years due to his injuries.
But Federer is streets ahead of fourth-placed Pete Sampras – whom he stunned to announce himself as a pro in 2001 on the hallowed All-England Club courts.
The US legend won 14 Slams during his sensational career.
In all, Federer banked over £113million in prize money as a tennis player.
Fed still holds the record for the oldest world No1 – aged 36 years and 320 days – while winning 103 tournaments, second only to Jimmy Connors.
He also spent 310 weeks as world No1, including a staggering 237 consecutively.
But now, the ATP Tour boasts the youngest-ever world No1 as Carlos Alcaraz leads a young new generation of superstars into the post-Federer era.
GettyRoger Federer won the first of his eight Wimbledon titles in 2003[/caption] Read More