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Roger Federer Announces His Retirement with a Letter to Family, Friends, and Fans
In a heartfelt letter that he posted on social media, Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis.
Swiss professional tennis player and one of the all-time greats, Roger Federer, recently announced his retirement from the beloved sport last September 15. “To my tennis family and beyond,” he started the letter. “Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way. Friends, my competitors, and most of all, the fans who give the sport its life.”
Roger Federer played more than 1,500 matches in over 24 years before his retirement
Roger Federer continues that the past three years have presented him with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits. And its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. 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.”
Many were saddened to hear the news. However, he says that The Laver Cup will be his final ATP event. “I will play more tennis in the future, of course. But just not in Grand Slams or on the tour,” he assured.
Number one in the world
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ranked Roger Federer as number one in the world for 310 weeks. He has won 104 ATP singles titles. These include 20 Grand Slam singles titles, a record eight men’s singles Wimbledon titles, an Open Era record-tying five men’s singles US Open titles, and a record six year-end championships.
He played in an era where he dominated men’s tennis alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They were called the Big Three and were considered to be the three most successful male tennis players of all time.
Grateful for his wife Mirka, two sets of twins, parents, and sister
Apart from his dedication to tennis, Roger Federer is a loving husband and father, too. He and his wife Mirka have two sets of twins: Charlene Riva and Myla Rose (twin girls), and Leo and Lenny (twin boys).
CREDIT: Alpha Press
“I would like to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived through every minute with me. She has warmed me up before finals, watched countless matches even while over 8-months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years,” he wrote. “I also want to thank my four wonderful children for supporting me, always eager to explore new places and creating wonderful memories along the way. Seeing my family cheering me on from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.”
In the same letter, Roger Federer thanked his parents and sister. “I would also like to thank and recognize my loving parents and my dear sister, without whom nothing would be possible.”
An idol and inspiration to many children
Professional tennis players like Roger Federer remain to be an idol among many families — especially children. They’re the reason that kids suddenly want to play sports that allow them to become more well-rounded. Even Roger Federer himself shared his humble beginnings. “When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the plavers with a sense of wonder. They
were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.”
More about tennis players on Modern Parenting:
The Source of Alex Eala’s Grand Slam: Her Parents’ Steady Support
Serena Williams On Her Retirement: “I’m Evolving Away From Tennis.”
