Tennis great Roger Federer announces retirement
Photo from (Alex Livesey, The New York Times)
Roger Federer celebrates as he wins his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title.
Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis on Sept. 15 after playing more than 1,500 matches over a 24-year span.
Federer’s overall record-to-date in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour and Grand Slams is 1251-275, giving him a win percentage of 82%. He has won 103 ATP singles titles, including 20 Grand Slam finals, currently third all time.
Federer holds the record for most Wimbledon titles with eight and an overall record of 192-29 on grass courts, awarding him the nickname, the “King of Grass.” He won five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 2003-2007.
He is also the only player to win five consecutive US Open titles, from 2004- 2008.
Federer was ranked as the ATP world No. 1 for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks. He has finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.
In an open letter on his website, Federer gives an assessment on tennis and his retirement.
“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,” Federer said.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Federer steps away from the game with the utmost respect from the tennis world.
All eyes will be on Federer this weekend as he looks to win his final ATP event at the Laver Cup.
