On This Day: Tennis legend Roger Federer announced retirement in 2022

Not many years have passed by since one of the greats of tennis, Roger Federer called down curtains to his elaborated career. On September 15, 2022, Roger Federer announced retirement from ATP Tour and Grand Slams. However, he might have called it quits, he did confirm that his final appearance will come at the Laver Cup, which was supposed to be played in a week’s time in London in September 2022.

Although the time was destined for Federer, his decision followed series of knee operations which curtailed his career till the age of 41. Notably, during his 24-year-old career in professional tennis, the Swiss tennis star won 20 Grand Slam titles and finished five seasons as No. 1 ranked, along with creating a golden era, including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Roger Federer announced retirement in a video message

Taking to social media platforms, Federer opted to go with a video message while announcing his retirement, leaving behind a legacy. “I am 41 years old. I have played more than 15000 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,” the 20-time Grand Slam winner said.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. 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,” he further addressed before extending his gratitude to all who supported him.

“I would also like to thank my competitors on the court. I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful,” he continued, recalling his days on the court.

Watch Roger Federer's video message as he announced retirement from tennis

 Roger Federer Records

The Swiss international, Roger Federer’s 20 Grand Slam titles rank third all time among men’s plays behind only contemporaries, Novak Djokovic (24) and Rafael Nadal (22). Moreover, Federer ended his career with 103 tour level titles and 1251 wins in singles matches, both second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open Era.

The dominance Federer displayed at the height of his powers is unrivaled, including reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals, winning eight, from 2005 to 2007, a run that also extended to 18 of 19 major finals into 2010.

List of Grand Slam wins for Roger Federer