Roger Federer announces retirement on sombre note: "To the game of tennis, I love you and I will never leave you"

Roger Federer Retirement: Tennis legend Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis on Thursday. Federer conveyed this in a message posted on social media sites.

Federer retires from professional tennis at the age of 41 after winning 20 Grand Slam titles.

pic.twitter.com/YxtVWrlXIF

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022

The tennis ace has not competed since Wimbledon in July 2021. Federer's last match anywhere came on July 7, 2021, when he lost at Centre Court in the Wimbledon quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0. Soon after, Federer had surgery to repair damage to his meniscus and cartilage in his right knee - his third operation on that knee in a span of 1 1/2 years.

"Laver cup next month will be my final ATP tour event. I will not play any more Grand Slams or on the tour," the tennis great said in a statement on Twitter.

"I have worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body`s capacity and limit. I am 41 years old and have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me generously more than I ever would have dreamt and I must recognise when I have to end my competitive career. I will play more tennis, of course, but not in Grand Slams and in tour. It`s a bitter-sweet decision," he added.

To my tennis family and beyond,

With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022

In his farewell message, Federer signed off saying: "Finally, to the game of tennis, I love you and I will never leave you."

This news comes just days after the end of the US Open 2022, which was expected to be the last tournament of 23-time major champion Serena Williams' career.

Only Spain's Rafael Nadal, with 22 majors, and Serbia's Novak Djokovic, with 21, have more men's Grand Slam singles titles than Federer.

Roger Federer Retires, Tributes Pour In

As soon as legendary tennis player Roger Federer anounced his retirement, tributes poured in from all quarters. Celebrities and sportspersons from around the world paid tributes to the illustrious career of one of the modern day "G.O.A.T." of tennis.

Renowned statistician Mohandas Menon encapsulated Federer's longevity and peak performance across the years as he tweeted: "Roger Federer aged 41, to retire. 
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men's singles Wimbledon titles
- Won 103 ATP singles titles, second most behind Jimmy Connors.
- Ranked world#1 for 310 weeks, incl a record 237 consecutive weeks
- finished year-end #1 five times."  

Roger Federer aged 41, to retire.
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men's singles Wimbledon titles
- Won 103 ATP singles titles, second most behind Jimmy Connors.
- Ranked world#1 for 310 weeks, incl a record 237 consecutive weeks
- finished year-end #1 five times.

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 15, 2022

In a very short and sweet tribute to Federer, Association of Tennis Players (ATP) wrote: "You changed the game, #RForever." 

You changed the game, #RForever. @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/XIyDzCMTuk

— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 15, 2022

The official Twitter handle for Olympics posted a tearful emoji as it said, "An outstanding career comes to an end. Thank you for all the memories Roger Federer! You will be missed!"

An outstanding career comes to an end

Thank you for all the memories Roger Federer! You will be missed!@rogerfederer | @swissteam | @ITFTennis pic.twitter.com/fJ1FZrh9YM

— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 15, 2022

Congratulations on a brilliant career #RogerFederer pic.twitter.com/mG8bHZQwqA

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) September 15, 2022