Legend Federer hails ‘incredible adventure’ as he announces retirement

(FILES) In this file photo taken on June 7, 2019 Switzerland’s Roger Federer acknowledges the audience after loosing against Spain’s Rafael Nadal during their men’s singles semi-final match on day 13 of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris. – Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is to retire after next week’s Laver Cup, he said on September 15, 2022. (Photo by Philippe LOPEZ / AFP)

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is to retire after next week’s Laver Cup after admitting on Thursday his battles with a knee problem had forced him to call time on his historic career.

“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event,” he said in a statement posted on social media.

The 41-year-old winner of 20 Grand Slam titles has been out of action since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.

“The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure,” he wrote.

“While it sometimes feels like it went by in 24 hours it has also been so deep and magical that it seems as if I have already lived a lifetime.”

Federer has struggled with a knee problem for the past three years that have restricted him to only three of the 11 Grand Slams staged since the start of 2020.

His fellow tennis legend Serena Williams is all but certain not to play again after bowing out of the US Open in the third round this month.

Federer said that his body had effectively told him it was time to bring the curtain down.

“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form,” he wrote.

“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