“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”
Two years ago on this day, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer announced his retirement plans, revealing that he would bid farewell to professional tennis after the Laver Cup 2022. In a heartfelt note, Federer, a former World No. 1, confirmed that while the Laver Cup would be his final ATP tournament, he would continue to play tennis casually. One week after announcing his retirement, Federer played his final match at the Laver Cup.
At 41, the tennis legend ended a remarkable career of nearly 25 years, which included 20 Grand Slam titles and a statesman's role in the sport. In his last professional appearance, Federer, alongside long-time rival Rafael Nadal, competed for Team Europe but lost in doubles to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World. It was a fittingly dramatic conclusion to a storied career.
Team Europe 👊 💙 pic.twitter.com/dsfBw6vMxj
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 27, 2022
In an emotional Twitter statement, Federer reflected on his tennis journey, saying, "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 all of you."
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer dropped his retirement announcement shortly after Serena Williams revealed that the US Open 2022 would be her final tournament. Federer, who last competed in a Grand Slam at Wimbledon 2021, had yet to play a major tournament since then. During the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, he made a special appearance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Centre Court. His final match before announcing his retirement was on July 7, 2021, where he lost to Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Federer, hailed as one of the greatest tennis players ever, shattered numerous records throughout his career. With 103 ATP titles since turning professional in 1998, Federer's achievements are monumental. A 20-time Grand Slam champion, Federer never retired from a singles match in his 1,526-match career. Additionally, he competed in 223 doubles matches, showcasing his versatility and enduring prowess on the court.
Born in Basel, Federer graced six ATP Tour Finals and amassed a remarkable career record of 1,251 wins and 275 losses. His earnings from the sport total $130,594,339. Federer held the World No. 1 ranking for 310 weeks, including an impressive 237 consecutive weeks from February 2004 to August 2008. Alongside Stan Wawrinka, he claimed the doubles gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. The 20-time Grand Slam champion also led Switzerland to victory in the 2014 Davis Cup and won the Hopman Cup in 2001, 2018, and 2019. Under the guidance of coaches Ivan Ljubicic and Severin Luthi, he also became the oldest World No. 1 at 36 in 2018.
“Obviously, technically, Federer is probably the best player in the world. When he plays, it looks so easy, it looks so flawless.” Djokovic said.
— Red Devil 🎾 (@wey_know) August 20, 2024
Federer won 5 consecutive US Open (2004-2008) and he is the most recent player to successfully defend it. pic.twitter.com/LSeNr2De7y
Federer made a stunning debut at Wimbledon 2001 as a 19-year-old, defeating his childhood idol, seven-time champion Pete Sampras, with a thrilling 7-6 (9-7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 7-5 victory. This match marked the beginning of his ascent to stardom. Just two years later, Federer clinched his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003, defeating Mark Philippoussis in the final. Over the next decade, he dominated the sport, amassing a staggering collection of titles: eight Wimbledon, six Australian Open, and five US Open trophies, along with the 2009 French Open.
