His final event will be next week
Roger Federer has confirmed that he will officially retire from tennis, with next week's Laver Cup in London set to be his final appearance.
The 41-year-old had a glittering 24-year career on the courts in which he successful won 20 Grand Slam titles and is widely renowned as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
In an emotional post to his social media accounts on Wednesday, Federer explained that the last three years had been "a challenge" due to the number of injuries he had suffered.
He said: "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 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."
https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1570401710685945856
Federer added that while he will retire from competitive tennis, he will still "play more tennis in the future."
A further statement from the former world number one said that tennis had given him plenty of gifts over the years but he also 'knows his body’s capacities and limits' which helped him to make his decision.
The legendary player has spent the large bulk of his career - where he has played over 1500 matches - competing against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for the title of the best player in the world.
Between the trio they have recorded a total of 63 Grand Slam titles and following the confirmation of his retirement, people around the world paid tribute to one of the greatest to ever grace the courts.
One person wrote: "The end of an era," featuring a picture of Federer alongside Serena Williams.
https://twitter.com/NancAdimora/status/1570407735308521472
Another added: "Roger Federer announces his retirement from tennis The best tennis player in history announced his retirement from the courts through his social networks."
https://twitter.com/Mr_Pichichi/status/1570410744281178117
A third said: "Wow. Sports sad, yet happy for him. We will miss you."
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