20 Time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer Announces Retirement

Tennis legend Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the sport, leaving the game at the age of 41 and after 20 grand slam titles

Federer announced his retirement on social media Thursday, September 15th 2022.

“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,” he wrote.

Federer has been battling health complications for the past few years, limiting his time on the court as he aged.

He has not competed since Wimbledon last year where he lost in the Quarterfinals.

“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,” wrote Federer.

“But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”

For a long part of his career, Federer was a trailblazer, holding the men’s slam record of 20 titles.

In recent years, however, he has been eclipsed by long-time rival Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Regardless, Federer still retains the respect of most and is generally considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing players of all time, submitting opponents with skill and grace in stark contrast to the brute force of Nadal or the indomitable will of Djokovic.

Amongst his accolades, Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles, a record eight at Wimbledon alone; he was world number 1 a record 237 consecutive weeks, and ends his career with 103 ATP titles, the second most all-time.

His retirement comes just about a month after another great of the game, Serena Williams, announced her retirement.

The game has lost two GOATS in the span of a month.

Watch Federer’s announcement video below…