[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Roger Federer (41), the Swiss male tennis player known as the "Tennis Emperor," announced that he will retire after the upcoming Laver Cup tournament held next week in London, UK.
Federer shared on his social network service (SNS), "As many of you know, I have faced difficulties over the past three years due to injuries and surgeries. I tried to regain full competitiveness, but I am well aware of my body's limits," conveying his retirement news.
Federer said, "I have played over 1,500 matches in 24 years, and tennis has treated me far more generously than I ever dreamed," adding, "Now I know it is time to conclude my career." He also mentioned, "I will continue to play tennis, but I will not compete in Grand Slams (the four major tournaments) or tours."
Born in 1981, Federer has undergone three knee surgeries in the past year and a half, repeatedly undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. Since Wimbledon last July, he has been unable to participate in official tournaments for over a year due to knee injuries and other reasons. At the Wimbledon Center Court 100th anniversary event last July, he expressed his intention to continue his playing career next year, but it seems he ultimately could not overcome his injuries and decided to part ways with the court he cherished.
Federer ranks third in the most major singles titles with 20 wins, following Rafael Nadal (Spain) with 22 and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) with 21. He first won a major singles title at Wimbledon in 2003, reaching the top, and his most recent major singles victory was at the 2018 Australian Open. Federer was the first player to reach 20 major singles titles.
Following the news of Federer's retirement, the tennis world expressed continuous regrets. Nadal wrote on SNS, "I hoped this day would never come. Personally, it is a sad day for me and the global sports community," adding, "It was an honor to share amazing times with you both on and off the court."
Billie Jean King, the American female tennis player who led the world women's tennis scene until the 1970s, also posted a photo with Federer on SNS. She wrote, "Roger Federer is a champion among champions. He played the most perfect game of his generation and captivated sports fans worldwide with his incredible agility and strong tennis mind on the court."
Besides them, American male tennis legend Andy Roddick and Czech female tennis star Petra Kvitova also expressed their respect for Federer and their sadness at his departure from the court on SNS.
Earlier, Serena Williams (USA), born in the same year as Federer in 1981, also concluded her active career after this year's US Open.
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