Roger Federer had not announced or maybe his retirement from tennis. It’s important to note that circumstances can change quickly. Today we will discuss about What do you think of roger federer retirement from tennis at 41
What do you think of roger federer retirement from tennis at 41
Roger Federer has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 41. This decision comes after undergoing several knee operations throughout his career. Federer leaves behind an impressive legacy, having won 20 Grand Slam titles, achieved the No. 1 ranking in the world for five seasons, and played a vital role in the golden era of men’s tennis alongside rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
In a written statement and an audio clip, Federer described his retirement as a “bittersweet decision.” Interestingly, this news comes shortly after Serena Williams, a 23-time major champion, played what is anticipated to be her final match, signifying a significant turning point in the history of both sports.
Reasons
Roger Federer, who is currently in Switzerland, acknowledged the challenges he has faced over the past three years due to injuries and surgeries. In his statement, he expressed his determination to regain his full competitive form through hard work. However, he also emphasized the importance of understanding his body’s capacities and limits. Recently, his body has been sending him a clear message, leading to his decision to retire from professional tennis
Conversations Interview
SUMMERS: So, according to the video on Twitter, Federer made an announcement. What was his statement?
GOLDMAN: Federer mentioned that he is 41 years old and retiring from professional tennis. He has been dealing with injuries and undergoing surgeries for the past three years, primarily due to a knee issue. The physical toll has become too much for him. Here is an excerpt from his statement:
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ROGER FEDERER: I have put in a lot of effort to regain my full competitive form. However, I am also aware of the capabilities and limitations of my body. Lately, it has been giving me a clear message.
GOLDMAN: Federer mentioned that he will participate in one final event, the upcoming Laver Cup in London, which is a team competition between top European players and players from the rest of the world. He has a great fondness for this event, and it will mark his farewell from professional tennis.
SUMMERS: The timing of Federer’s retirement announcement is interesting, especially coming right after the U.S. Open, where there was a significant farewell for Serena Williams. Do you see any connection between the two?
GOLDMAN: Federer didn’t explicitly mention any connection, but it’s likely that he observed what unfolded in New York, particularly in the men’s competition. The tournament showcased highly competitive matches with young players in their early 20s who possessed powerful strokes, speed, and athleticism. The 19-year-old champion, Carlos Alcaraz, exemplified this trend. Considering this, it’s not far-fetched to think that Federer took note of the emerging talent and factored it into his decision, realizing that he is twice the age of some of these players and his body is not cooperating as desired.
SUMMERS: As we reflect on Federer’s career, Tom, what particular image comes to your mind when you think of him?
GOLDMAN: Federer’s playing style was characterized by a sense of flow and elegance. He always appeared poised and never seemed awkward on the court. His graceful demeanor and sportsmanship were particularly fitting for Wimbledon, with its rich history and traditions, where he achieved a remarkable record of winning eight singles titles. Interestingly, his sportsmanship as an adult player was in stark contrast to his behavior as a child. During his younger days, he often displayed anger, throwing his racquet and using foul language. It wasn’t until he reached the age of 19 that he managed to control these tendencies and stop embarrassing his parents, who even threatened not to attend his matches if he continued with such behavior.
SUMMERS: Although Federer will not hold the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles as he concludes his career, currently ranking third on the all-time list, his legacy is expected to be significant. What do you believe his legacy will be?
GOLDMAN: Federer, alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, forms the renowned “big three” in men’s tennis, who have dominated the sport for the past two decades. Not only has Federer achieved great success on the court, but he has also amassed substantial wealth through prize money and lucrative endorsements and sponsorships. Interestingly, he has approached the numerous meet-and-greet sessions and corporate engagements that many athletes of his caliber often dislike in an engaging manner. A New York Times article from last year highlighted his billion-dollar brand and shared some insightful moments, such as a visit to Nike headquarters in Oregon. During that visit, he interrupted his host and returned to a previous meeting to express gratitude to the individuals involved in designing his shoes, emphasizing his appreciation for their contributions.
SUMMERS: Impressive.
GOLDMAN: This is just a glimpse of how Federer, considered by many, has maintained his authenticity despite his superstar status. Another example of his down-to-earth nature is his close involvement with his family throughout his tennis career. He often traveled with his wife and four children, occasionally sharing the same hotel room, albeit a luxurious one. It’s a heartwarming image that showcases his commitment to his loved ones.
SUMMERS: Thank you, Tom Goldman, for your insights.
GOLDMAN: You’re welcome.
Retirement Announcement
The announcement of Federer’s retirement was made through a video where he read a farewell letter addressed to the world of tennis.
“I have been fortunate to participate in numerous unforgettable matches that will always hold a special place in my memory,” expressed Federer. Reflecting on his remarkable 24-year journey on the professional tennis tour, he described it as an incredible adventure, filled with profound and enchanting experiences.
Federer disclosed that his final event would be the upcoming Laver Cup, a tournament he initiated to pay tribute to Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time (GOAT). It is worth noting that Federer and Serena Williams are often bestowed with the same moniker.
The decision to retire was undoubtedly a challenging one. Merely two months earlier, Federer had made an appearance at Wimbledon to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Centre Court in a one-day celebration. During a brief interview, he hinted at a possible return in 2023, expressing his hope to come back “one more time.”
However, Federer’s persistent knee problem, which had been a concern since 2016, continued to trouble him. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis.
Numerous congratulatory messages flooded in from all corners of the globe to acknowledge Federer’s illustrious career. Peers such as Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, along with tennis legends including Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, and Martina Navratilova, extended their congratulations. Even International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised Federer, hailing him as “a true gentleman on and off the court.”
Bid farewell to the world of tennis
Finding fairytale endings in sports can be challenging, but in Federer’s case, one could argue that he experienced a semblance of it, despite losing his final match.
During the Laver Cup, Federer found himself surrounded by his once fierce rivals turned teammates – Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray – as they represented Team Europe. It became a week-long impromptu farewell celebration for Federer. The “Big Four” practiced together at the O2 Arena in front of an enthusiastic crowd of around 15,000 fans. They also attended a gala dinner, exuding a sense of sophistication reminiscent of a James Bond movie.
In a doubles match, Federer and Nadal, in a fitting pairing, had two match points against American players Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. However, they fell short of victory. What followed was an incredibly emotional moment that etched itself in recent memory. Federer took the opportunity to speak on the court, and as he did, Rafa, Novak, Andy, and others couldn’t hold back their tears, joining Roger in his display of emotions.
After the emotional moment, Federer shared his thoughts, expressing the significance of shedding tears. “It feels good to cry sometimes,” he remarked. He further expressed that this was precisely what he had hoped for – to reach a point of contentment at the end of his career.
During an earlier on-court moment, Federer had also become overwhelmed with emotions. He reflected on his journey and stated, “It’s been the perfect journey, and I would do it all over again.” However, his words were interrupted as tears welled up in his eyes, underscoring the deep emotional impact of the moment.
What lies ahead for Roger Federer after his retirement from professional tennis?
After his retirement from professional tennis, Federer has been enjoying quality time with his family back in Switzerland. However, he has also been engaged in various activities and trips. Recently, he traveled to Japan for promotional events related to his clothing sponsor. Additionally, he made appearances in New York City, including an interview on The Daily Show.
During his time in New York, Federer shared a humorous anecdote about being denied entry at the gates of Wimbledon because he didn’t have his member card with him. Despite his illustrious record of winning the tournament eight times, he found himself in a comical situation, trying to convince the gatekeepers, saying, “Please, I’m a member! Where do I get in?!”
In his interview with Trevor Noah, Federer mentioned that he needs to take the time to determine his next steps and what comes next for him. He emphasized the importance of his four children, stating that they mean everything to him, as well as expressing his love and appreciation for his wife, Mirka. Federer also mentioned his involvement in various business ventures, including the Laver Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Vancouver in September.
When it comes to his role within the sport of tennis, Federer admitted that he is uncertain and needs to figure out how he will stay involved. However, he expressed his willingness to mentor young players and engage in activities that support their development.
As for the specifics of what lies ahead for Federer, only time will reveal the details. Nevertheless, his ambassadorship and legacy endure, as he has touched people’s lives through the sport over the course of his remarkable career, one mesmerizing one-handed backhand at a time.
Overall stats
| Career Finals | Discipline | Type | Won | Lost | Total | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | Grand Slam tournaments | 20 | 11 | 31 | 0.65 | |
| Olympic Games | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.00 | ||
| Year-end championships | 6 | 4 | 10 | 0.67 | ||
| ATP Masters 1000 | 28 | 22 | 50 | 0.56 | ||
| ATP Tour 500 | 24 | 7 | 31 | 0.77 | ||
| ATP Tour 250 | 25 | 9 | 34 | 0.74 | ||
| Total (Singles) | 103 | 54 | 157 | 0.66 | ||
| Doubles | Grand Slam tournaments | – | – | – | – | |
| Olympic Games | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1.00 | ||
| Year-end championships | – | – | – | – | ||
| ATP Masters 1000 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0.33 | ||
| ATP Tour 500 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0.75 | ||
| ATP Tour 250 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.50 | ||
| Total (Doubles) | 8 | 6 | 14 | 0.57 | ||
| Grand Total | 111 | 60 | 171 | 0.65 |
