TIMELINE - Roger Federer's journey to the top of the men's game

Roger Federer said he will retire from competitive tennis following next week's Laver Cup in London. Following is a timeline charting the 20-time Grand Slam champion's rise to the top of the game: 2001: Burst onto the scene, ending American Pete Sampras' 31-match winning streak at Wimbledon in the fourth round before losing in the quarter-finals to Tim Henman.

Read AlsoRoger Federer to retire from competitive tennis after next week's Laver Cup

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday, saying next week's Laver Cup will be his final ATP tournament. "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 recognize

2002: Became the first Swiss man to finish in the top 10 and appear in the season-ending ATP Finals since Jakob Hlasek was number eight in 1988. 2003: Made his Grand Slam breakthrough the following year at Wimbledon, beating Mark Philippoussis in the final for the first of his eight titles at the grasscourt major. 2004: The Swiss flexed his muscles by winning three majors -- the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, making him the first man to do so in a season since Mats Wilander in 1988. He also became the first player in the Open Era to win his first four Grand Slam finals.

Read AlsoRoger Federer's retirement statement

The following is Roger Federer's letter in which the 20-time Grand Slam champion announced he would retire from the sport after the Laver Cup this month:

2005: Defended Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles after failing to reach the finals in the first two majors of the year. 2006: Reached all four Grand Slam finals, winning in Australia, Wimbledon and the U.S. among a