Roger Federer announces retirement from professional tennis after next week’s Laver Cup

Roger Federer has announced he will retire from tennis after the Laver Cup next week.

The Swiss icon will bow out as one of his sport’s most celebrated and successful players, having won 20 grand slams across a professional career spanning 24 years.

Federer has not competed since Wimbledon in 2021, undergoing knee surgery later that year and missing this year’s grand slams while he continued his recovery.

He had remained hopeful of making a return. But at 41, he admits injuries are now taking their toll, announcing his decision to call time on his career on Thursday afternoon.

He said in a statement: ‘To my tennis family and beyond, of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life.

‘Today, I want to share some news with you all.

‘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 limit, 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 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 on the tour.’

Next week’s Laver Cup event in London, beginning on Friday 23 September and concluding on Sunday, will be his final ATP event.

More to follow

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