The Swiss announced his retirement at the age of 41. AP photo.
Switzerland’s Roger Federer, considered the best tennis player of all time, announced today that he will retire at the age of 41 after playing the Laver Cup in London next week.
the complete letter
To my tennis family and beyond,
Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, were the people I met along the way: my friends, my competitors and, above all, the fans who bring the sport to 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 surgery. I worked hard to get back to full competitive form. But I also know the capabilities and limitations of my body, and its message has been clear to me lately. I’m 41, I’ve played over 1,500 games in 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than ever.
I dreamed and now I have to recognize when it’s time to end my racing career.
The Laver Cup next week in London will be my last ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but not at the Grand Slams or on tour.
This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is a lot to celebrate. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on Earth. I was given a special talent for playing tennis, and I did it at a level I never imagined, for much longer than I thought possible.
I would especially like to thank my amazing wife Mirka, who lived every minute with me. she warmed me up before the final, she watched countless games even when I was over 8 months pregnant and she put up with my silly side traveling with my team for over 20 years. I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, eager to always explore new places and create wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling that I will keep forever.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge my loving parents and my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible. A heartfelt thanks to all my former coaches who have always guided me in the right direction. you were wonderful! And to Swiss Tennis, who believed in me as a young man and gave me an ideal start.
I really want to thank and thank my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, Roland and especially Seve and Pierre, who have given me the best advice and have always been there for me. Tony too, for creatively running my business for over 17 years. You are all fantastic and I have loved every minute with you.
I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who are really partners for me; and the hardworking teams and tournaments of the ATP Tour, who consistently welcomed us with kindness and hospitality.
I would also like to thank my competitors on the pitch. I have been lucky enough to play so many epic games that I will never forget. We fought fairly, with passion and intensity, and we always did my best to respect the story of the game. I feel extremely grateful.
We push each other and together we take tennis to new heights.
Above all, I have to offer special thanks to my amazing fans.
You will never know how much strength and faith you have given me. The stimulating feeling of entering packed stadiums and arenas has been one of the great emotions of my life. Without you, those hits would have felt lonely rather than full of joy and energy. The last 24 years of touring have been an incredible adventure. Time sometimes seems to have passed in 24 hours, it has also been so deep and magical that it feels like it has already lived a life.
I have had the immense fortune of playing in front of you in more than 40 different countries. I laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I felt incredibly alive. Throughout my travels, I have met so many wonderful people who will remain friends for life, constantly taking time off their schedule to come see me play and cheer for me all over the world. Thank you.
When my love of tennis began, I was a ball boy in my hometown.
from Basel. He used to look at 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 believing in myself. A few successes brought me confidence and I was well on my way to the most incredible journey that has led to this day.
So, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, for everyone around the world who helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball boy come true.
Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.
Source: Clarin
