Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Federer to retire
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer is to retire following next week's Laver Cup after admitting on Thursday that 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." Britain's All England Club paid tribute to Federer, thanking the veteran – who won a record eight men's titles at Wimbledon – for "the memories and joy". "Roger, Where do we begin?" the organisation tweeted. "It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word. "We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many." (AFP)