Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

SPORTS

ROGER AND OUT

SOCIAL MEDIA

GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — Roger Federer will retire following next week’s Laver Cup after admitting his battles with a knee problem had forced him to call time on his historic tennis career.

Tributes poured in for the 41-year-old Swiss legend from rivals such as Rafael Nadal, while Serena Williams welcomed him to the “retirement club.”

Federer, a winner of 20 Grand Slam titles and one of the best players of all time, has been out of action since a quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.

“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event,” Federer said in a statement on social media on Thursday.

“The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure,” he wrote.

“While it sometimes feels like it went by in 24 hours, it has also been so deep and magical that it seems as if I have already lived a lifetime.”

Federer’s knee problems restricted him to only three of the 11 Grand Slams staged since the start of 2020 and he said 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.”

“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.”

Tennis has now lost two greats in quick succession, after the 40-year-old Williams bowed out following a third-round defeat at the US Open at the start of the month.

“I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest — perfectly done, just like your career,” Williams, who won 23 major titles, said in an Instagram post.

“I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people — including me — and we will never forget.”

Nadal, arguably Federer’s greatest on-court rival, said it had been “an honor” to face him.

The pair played 40 times, including nine Grand Slam finals, with Nadal holding a 24-16 winning record.

“It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world,” Nadal tweeted.

“It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”

Wimbledon also paid Federer a handsome tribute in keeping with him being a men’s record eight-time champion there.

“Roger, where do we begin?” tweeted Wimbledon.

“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.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAManny Pacquiao knows his time is up. This was the keen observation made by a longtime member of his training team who spent...

ESPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAThe dynamic duo of Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario is back with a bang after leading Blacklist International to...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAThe University Athletic Association of the Philippines will have a full calendar of sports events for Season 85 starting 1 October. UAAP President...

ESPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAECHO has revealed its roster for the upcoming M4 Mobile Legends World Championship to be held 1-15 January 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAIt’s going to be business as usual as the Philippine Basketball Association will not stop its on-court activities when it gives way for...

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIAIt doesn’t look as if newly-crowned Melvin Jerusalem will get the luxury of defending his minimumweight crown against a handpicked rival after the...

SPORTS

Mitchell, meanwhile, is a six-foot shooting guard frowm Hartford University.

SPORTS

SOCIAL MEDIALegendary boxing referee Carlos ‘Sonny’ Padilla was recently inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Famous for serving as the third man...

Copyright © DAILY TRIBUNE