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Read Roger Federer's Retirement Letter

  • Posted: Sep 15, 2022

Read Roger Federer’s Retirement Letter

Sep152022

The Swiss thanks his family, team, friends and sponsors

Roger Federer announced his upcoming retirement at the Laver Cup on Thursday in a letter. The Swiss’ voiceover of that letter and the text, in full, are below.

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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 limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. 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’s 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.

This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the Tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.

I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches even while over eight-months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years. I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.

I would also like to thank and recognise my loving parents and my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible. A big thank you to all my former coaches who always guided me in the right direction… you have been wonderful! And to Swiss Tennis, who believed in me as a young player and gave me an ideal start.

I really want to thank and acknowledge my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, Roland, and particularly Seve and Pierre, who have given me the best advice and have always been there for me. Also Tony, for creatively managing my business for over 17 years. You are all incredible and I have loved every minute with you.

I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who are really like partners to me; and the hard-working teams and tournaments on the ATP Tour, who consistently welcomed all of us with kindness and hospitality.

I would also like to thank my competitors on the court. I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion an intensity, and I always tried me best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels.

Above all I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. You will never know how much strength and belief you have given me. The inspiring feeling of walking into full stadiums and arenas has been one of the huge thrills in my life. Without you, those successes would have felt lonely, rather than filled with joy and energy.

The last 24 years on Tour have been an incredible adventure. 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’ve already lived a full lifetime. I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. Through my travels, I have met many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, who consistently took time out of their busy schedules to come watch me play and cheer me on around the globe. Thank you.

When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder. They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.

So, I want to than you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true.

Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.

Roger Federer

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Social Media Reaction To Federer's Retirement

  • Posted: Sep 15, 2022

Social Media Reaction To Federer’s Retirement

Sep152022

Laver, Del Potro also share their thoughts

Roger Federer’s announcement that next week’s Laver Cup will be his final ATP event caught the tennis and sports world by surprise Thursday. Many of tennis’ biggest stars quickly reacted to the news.

Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, new World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and Rod Laver were among the first to post tributes on social media.

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#RForever: Federer's Legacy Looms Large

  • Posted: Sep 15, 2022

#RForever: Federer’s Legacy Looms Large

Sep152022

Swiss held World No. 1 for 310 weeks

Roger Federer, who today announced his intention to retire at the Laver Cup this month, is the benchmark to which every tennis champion — past or present — is measured, and a true global ambassador who transcended the sport.

In a career of jaw-dropping achievement, the Swiss was not only exciting to watch in the efficiency and beauty of his execution, but at the height of his powers in his quest for historic records, Federer was a perfectionist. His own game not only evolved in 25 seasons as a professional, but he also forced his rivals — many of whom had a Federer poster on their bedroom walls — to improve, too.

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Federer’s longevity was centred on the fact that not only could he play superbly on every surface, but he combined great fitness with strategy and anticipation. Tennis fans will today reflect upon his legacy and periods of dominance, notably his record 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings from 2 February 2004 to 17 August 2008 and how he also reached a record 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi-finals from 2004 Wimbledon to the 2010 Roland Garros semi-finals (winning 20 of them).

But there was also his dedication, commitment, and desire to not only stay ahead of his fellow professionals, but to evolve every aspect of his game. Throughout his illustrious career, Federer brought in the likes of specialist coaches, such as Tony Roche, Stefan Edberg, and Ivan Ljubicic, to join his established and trusted team. Federer went on to develop his serve strategy, the way he volleyed and how his single-handed backhand improved to combat his greatest rivals, notably Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

<a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roger-federer/f324/overview'>Roger Federer</a>/Tiger Woods
Roger Federer with Tiger Woods at the 2006 US Open

Federer led a golden age for men’s professional tennis. Every match against Nadal (16-24) or Djokovic (23-27) popularised and attracted new fans to the sport for must-see and several never-to-be-forgotten encounters on the sport’s grandest stages. Yet it was Federer’s relentless hunger, in the face of all-time competition, that remained undimmed and helped him memorably lift 10 trophies on home soil in Basel and Halle’s grass, and eight at The Championships, Wimbledon. His example became the hallmark of modern professionalism.

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Roger Federer Announces End Of Historic Career

Consistency enabled Federer to reach the summit for the final time aged 36 in June 2018, thus increasing his weeks at No. 1 to 310 (only surpassed by Djokovic last year), and also helped the Swiss add to his Grand Slam tally to a then-record 20 singles titles, among 103 tour-level trophies. His longevity, highlighted by 968 weeks in the Top 10 between 20 May 2002 and 11 October 2021, also enabled him to hit 1,151 match wins (to date) – just shy of Jimmy Connors records of 109 crowns and 1,274 match wins.

As big a champion Federer was on the court, he had just a big an impact off it, using his global appeal positively. When he started his six-year tenure as President of the ATP Player Council (2008-2014), he highlighted the need for tennis to keep pace with other sports. With his legacy already assured, he was able to promote the causes of every player on the professional ladder and helped usher in a new era of financial success and restructuring for the ATP Tour.

<a href='https://www.atptour.com/en/players/roger-federer/f324/overview'>Roger Federer</a>
Roger Federer clinches his 1000th match win Brisbane in 2015.

Federer’s demeanour and gracious nature, saw him become what Pele is to football and Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are to golf. Federer won the ATPTour.com Fans’ Favourite Award every year from 2003 to 2021 and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award on 13 occasions. Able to converse in multiple languages, he also used his reach to make a huge impact as a philanthropist and a fundraiser of millions for charities and his own foundation, which supports community-driven initiatives to improve education in Southern Africa and Switzerland.

In 1,526 singles matches and 223 doubles matches, Federer remarkably never retired from a match – even after knee surgeries curtailed his on-court appearances in recent years. But now, at 41 years of age, 14 months on from his last match at Wimbledon, the superstar is set to call time on a historic chapter. While his focus will be on his family, wife Mirka, and their two sets of growing twins, he is likely to remain involved in the game and said that he would still take to the court. “I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the Tour,” he said in his retirement announcement.

One this is certain: Federer will be forever remembered so long as the sport of tennis is played.

© Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Roger Federer Retirement

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Roger Federer Announces End Of Historic Career

  • Posted: Sep 15, 2022

Roger Federer Announces End Of Historic Career

Sep152022

ATPTour.com looks back at Federer’s career

Roger Federer announced his upcoming retirement Thursday, saying that next week’s Laver Cup will be his final ATP event.

“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 clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” Federer said. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise when it’s 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.”

 

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The Swiss legend held World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for 310 weeks, second-most since 1973 behind only Novak Djokovic. However, Federer held top spot for a record 237 consecutive weeks from 2 February 2004 until 18 August 2008.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said: “Roger’s impact on tennis, and the legacy he’s built, are impossible to overstate. Over 24 years as a professional, Roger brought millions of adoring fans into the game. He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport. Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport.

“He redefined greatness on the court, while his champion spirit, sportsmanship, and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades, inspiring so many to pick up a racquet. Beyond the court, he is and will continue to be a true role model and ambassador, always giving so much of himself to the fans. Roger’s steadfast commitment to the ATP Tour throughout his career, as well as his many years of service on the Player Council, helped drive progress for fellow players and the entire sport. His humanitarian impact has been equally profound through the RF Foundation.”

Federer served the sport as president of the ATP Player Council from 2008-14 and later rejoined the council from 2019-22. He was influential in securing significant prize money increases for players. Through the Roger Federer Foundation, the Swiss has assisted almost two million underprivileged children in Africa.

Gaudenzi added: “As we look ahead to Roger’s future endeavours, he will no doubt continue to make a remarkable difference. First, we wish him a memorable final event at the Laver Cup in London, where fans will have an opportunity to give him the send-off he truly deserves. Roger, you will be greatly missed on the Tour. On behalf of everyone at the ATP and the sport of tennis: thank you for everything!”

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At Roland Garros in 2009, Federer completed the Career Grand Slam and at Wimbledon one month later, he broke Pete Sampras’ all-time men’s singles record by lifting his 15th major trophy. He went on to claim 20 Grand Slam trophies, which now only trails Rafael Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21). The Swiss earned six Australian Open triumphs, the 2009 Roland Garros title, eight Wimbledon trophies and five consecutive US Open victories (2004-08).

Federer earned 1,251 tour-level wins during his illustrious career, the second-most victories on record behind only Jimmy Connors’ 1,274. The Swiss also claimed 103 tour-level trophies, only trailing Connors’ 109. 

The Basel native claimed a record six titles, 59 wins and 18 qualifications at the Nitto ATP Finals. He also excelled at the ATP Masters 1000 events, where he won 28 titles.

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Federer is also the winner of a record 40 ATP Tour Awards: ATP Tour No. 1 (2004-07, 2009), Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of Year (2006, 2013), Comeback Player of the Year (2017), Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship (2004-09, 2011-17) and Fans’ Favourite (2003-21). He is also the most-decorated athlete in the history of the Laureus World Sports Awards, winning Sportsman of the Year five times (2005-08, 2018) and Comeback of the Year in 2018.

The Swiss climbed to the top of the sport for the first time aged 22, reaching World No. 1 on 2 February 2004. From there, he enjoyed a peerless reign. From 2004-06, he tallied an astonishing 247-15 record, a winning percentage of more than 94 per cent.

During that stretch, he lifted 34 tour-level trophies. From 2003-05, Federer won 24 straight matches against Top 10 opponents.

Nadal and Djokovic then joined Federer at the top of the sport, creating the ‘Big Three’, an unprecedented era in tennis.

In recent years, Federer showed great resilience and determination. After undergoing knee surgery in 2016, he returned in 2017 to play some of the best tennis of his career. As the 17th seed at the 2017 Australian Open, he won his 18th Grand Slam title and his first since Wimbledon in 2012. Later that year, he also triumphed at The Championships for the record eighth time. In 2018, he claimed his final major title in Melbourne.

Federer became the oldest World No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on 19 February 2018 at age 36. The Swiss never retired from a match.

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Roger Federer Retirement

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