Focus

Swiss legend Federer announces retirement

16 Sep 2022 12:03am
In this file photo taken on July 12, 2019 Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts after a point against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. - (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP)
In this file photo taken on July 12, 2019 Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts after a point against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. - (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP)
A
A
A

GENEVA - Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is to retire after next week's Laver Cup after admitting on Thursday his battles with a knee problem had forced him to call time on his historic career.

"The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event," he said in a statement posted on his Twitter account.

The 41-year-old winner of 20 Grand Slam titles has been out of action since a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.

His fellow tennis legend Serena Williams is all but certain not to play again after bowing out of the US Open in the third round this month.

Federer said that his body had effectively told him it was time to bring the curtain down.

"I've worked hard to return to full competitive form," he wrote.

"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 recognize when it is time to end my competitive career." - AFP

retirement
Roger Federer
More Like This
A doctor stands near bodies lined up for identification after they were unearthed from a mass grave found in the Nasser Medical Complex Photo by AFP
A doctor stands near bodies lined up for identification after they were unearthed from a mass grave found in the Nasser Medical Complex Photo by AFP
World Bodies uncovered in Gaza mass graves raise suspicions of organ theft
165 remain unidentified after their bodies were disfigured
Students and onlookers watch a rally in support of Israel outside the gates of Columbia University from a nearby bridge on April 25, 2024 in New York City. Israel supporters are reacting to the growing number of college campuses throughout the country whose student protesters are setting up pro-Palestinian tent encampments on school grounds. - Photo by AFP
Students and onlookers watch a rally in support of Israel outside the gates of Columbia University from a nearby bridge on April 25, 2024 in New York City. Israel supporters are reacting to the growing number of college campuses throughout the country whose student protesters are setting up pro-Palestinian tent encampments on school grounds. - Photo by AFP
World Columbia University drops deadline for dismantling pro-Palestinian protest camp
Police have carried out large-scale arrests in universities across the country, at times using chemical irritants and tasers to disperse protests.
Rumy Al-Qahtani, Miss Saudi Arabia, poses for a picture during an interview with AFP at her home in Riyadh on April 19, 2024. Qahtani is set to be the first ever participant representing Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition in 2024. (Photo by AFP)
Rumy Al-Qahtani, Miss Saudi Arabia, poses for a picture during an interview with AFP at her home in Riyadh on April 19, 2024. Qahtani is set to be the first ever participant representing Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe competition in 2024. (Photo by AFP)
World Saudi could get first Miss Universe contestant this year
Saudi model Rumy al-Qahtani created a buzz online in late March when she posted to her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers that she was "honoured" to represent Saudi Arabia at Miss Universe at the upcoming event.
A student sits in as law enforcement stands by during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. - Photo by AFP
A student sits in as law enforcement stands by during a pro-Palestine protest at the The University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. - Photo by AFP
World Pro-Palestinian US campus protests grow as police crack down
Riot officers used chemical irritants and tasers at one university as administrators at some of the country's most prestigious institutions battled to prevent occupations taking hold.