After 24 golden years, Roger Federer, aged 41, has announced his impending retirement from tennis after next week’s Laver Cup.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has been struggling with a knee problem for the last three years and has decided now to rest away from tennis.
He announced his decision via his social media handle and it reads:
"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries," Federer said Thursday in a post on his social media accounts. "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 recognize when it is time to end my competitive career."
Federer will play in next week’s Laver Cup in London, the Ryder Cup-style competition that was his brainchild, but will then leave the professional game.
However, he intends to keep playing tennis, “but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.”