Roger Federer announces he is retiring from tennis

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has announced that he is retiring from the sport.

The 41-year-old revealed on Thursday that next week's Laver Cup will be his final ATP tournament.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been struggling with a knee problem for the last three years and has decided now is the right time to step away.

Federer will play in the Laver Cup in London, the Ryder Cup-style competition that was his brainchild, but will then leave the professional game.

“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,” Federer said on social media.

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“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. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”

Federer has been out of action since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in 2021 before undergoing another bout of knee surgery.

It was the second big retirement announcement this year after American great Serena Williams announced her plans to move away from the sport.