Roger Federer, one of the most decorated men’s tennis players in the world, will play the final match of his professional career at the Laver Cup in London on Friday.
The 41-year-old Swiss, known for his graceful backhands, started playing tennis at the age of eight, rising to become one of the greatest players in tennis history. He has won 103 ATP Tour titles, including 20 Grand Slams.
In a statement shared on his social media on September 15, Federer said, “I have played over 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever dreamed possible, and now I have to realize that it is time to end my playing career.”
Important days of illustrious career
- In 1995At the age of 14, Federer was accepted into the national development program of Swiss Tennis.
- In 1998he made his debut at the Swiss Open as a professional player.
- In 2000Federer competed at the Olympic Games in Sydney, where he reached the semi-finals and met his wife Mirka Vavrinec.
- In 2003, he won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and in 2004 he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open. It was also 2004 that Federer became world number one in tennis – holding the position for 237 weeks until 2008.
- In 2006Federer has reached the final of all four Grand Slams, winning three of them.
- In 2009, he won his 15th Grand Slam, beating the previous record held by Pete Sampras, from the United States. In the same year, he married Vavrinec and welcomed the birth of twins.
- In 2018Federer won his 20th Grand Slam title.
Federer compared to great tennis players
Despite his experience playing on many grass courts, Federer is still known as a famous tennis player at Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam event that takes place on grass. He won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles there, surpassing Sampras’ record seven.
Compared to other men’s tennis players, Federer has the third most Grand Slam titles behind Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who holds 22, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic with 21.
Federer has featured in 31 Grand Slam finals, one behind Djokovic with 32 Grand Slam finals Federer’s last was at Wimbledon 2019, where he nearly lost to Djokovic in a five-set match in just under five hours.
Federer has held the number one spot in men’s tennis for a total of 310 weeks, behind Djokovic, who spent 373 weeks at number one. From 2004 to 2008, Federer held the number one position in the rankings for 237 consecutive weeks.
Among the players still playing, Federer has won the most ATP Tour singles titles with 103 titles. Nadal won 92 and Djokovic 88.
Federer plays numbers
With a career spanning over 1,500 matches, Federer has some of the best stats in tennis history, including:
- 11,478 trump cards
- 18,872 service games
- 89 percent of service games won
- 18,475 bounces played
- 27 percent of returned games won
Establish
In 2003, the tennis superstar founded the Roger Federer Foundation with the aim of helping poor children in African countries get an education.
Under this fund, it has spent $70.5 million on initiatives to provide material and financial support at 9,300 elementary and preschool schools.
Reaction to Retirement
Athletes from around the world have heaped praise on Federer after he announced his retirement.
Rafael Nadal
“I wish this day would never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It has been a joy but also an honor and privilege to share the years with you, living so many great moments on and off the field.
“We will have many moments to share together in the future, there is still a lot of work to do together, we know that. For now, I really wish you happiness with your wife, Mirka, children, family and enjoy what lies ahead. “
Dear Roger, my friend and rival.
I wish this day would never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been fun but it’s also an honor and privilege to share the years with you, living so many great moments on and off the field 🏻– Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Novak Djokovic
“It is difficult to see this day and put into words all that we have shared in this sport together. Over a decade of incredible moments and fights to think back on. Your career has made sense of achieving excellence and leading with integrity and poise.
“It has been an honor to know you on and off the court, and for many years to come. I know that this new chapter will contain great things for you, Mirka, the kids, all your loved ones and Roger fans there is still a lot to look forward to.
“From our family to yours, we wish you much joy, health and prosperity in the future.”
Serena Williams
“I want to find the perfect way to say this, as you have so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly finished, just like your career.
“I have always admired you and admired you. Our paths have always been the same, very similar. You have inspired countless millions and millions of people – myself included – and we will never forget.
Carlos Alcaraz
“Roger is one of my idols and an inspiration! Thank you for everything you do for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wishing you all the best of luck in the world for what’s to come! “
Iga Swiatek
“I just want to thank you for all that you have done and all that you have given to our sport. It is a privilege to witness your career. Wishing you all the best.”
Sachin Tendulkar
“What a career, Roger Federer. We fell in love with your tennis brand. Slowly, your tennis has become a habit. And habits never retire, they become part of us. Thanks for all the great memories.”
Hardik Pandya
“Congratulations on a brilliant career.”
Congratulations on a brilliant career #RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/mG8bHZQwqA
– hardik pandya (@ hardikpandya7) September 15, 2022
