By Onyekachi Chimezie
Legendary tennis player Roger Federer has declared his intention to end his career after the Laver Cup.
The 41-year-old Swiss tennis icon made this announcement just 12 days after Serena Williams parted ways with tennis after her early exit from the US Open.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Roger Federer who holds a record of eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era record-tying five men’s singles US Open titles, and a record six year-end championships said that injuries had a major part of his retirement decision.
“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 clear. I am 41 years old,” Federer said.
The right-handed star who has featured in a career record of 1526 matches with a win rate of 82% which is also a record for a player with more than a thousand appearances said the time is right to put an end to his industrious career.
“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 20-time Grand Slam Champion through an announcement made on all his social media platforms said next week’s Laver Cup will be his final ATP tournament.
“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in grand slams or on the tour.”
With 103 trophies under his belt, Roger Federer is the second-most successful tennis player in history. Additionally, he held the top ranking for 237 straight weeks throughout his 310 weeks as the world’s best player.
