Roger Federer is retiring from professional competition at age 41 after a series of knee operations, closing a career in which he won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, finished five seasons ranked No. 1 on the ATP Tour and helped create a golden era of men’s tennis with rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Federer posted what he called a “bittersweet decision” via both a written statement and an audio clip on Thursday, less than two weeks after Serena Williams, a 23-time major champion in women’s singles, played what is expected to be the last match of her career.
Combined, the exits by two of the greatest athletes in their sport’s history represent a significant turning of the page.
“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,” said Federer, who is home in Switzerland. “But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
Federer has not competed anywhere since Wimbledon in July 2021, and so in that sense his retirement is not all that surprising. However, he appeared at an event marking the 100-year anniversary of Centre Court at the All England Club in July and said he hoped to return to play there “one more time.” He also had said he would return to tournament action in his home country at the Swiss Indoors in October.