Roger Federer has announced he is retiring from professional tennis.
The Swiss legend took to Twitter to tell his fans that he was finally calling it a day on his illustrious career.
In the emotionally charged statement, the 41-year-old said he would always love the sport that had given him such an incredible life.
He wrote: "To my tennis family and beyond. 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: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today, I want to share some news with all of you.
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"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.
"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 recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.
"The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour."
The 20-time champion went on to say that he never thought he would reach the heights he managed to, becoming one of the greatest players, if the not the greatest, to play the sport.
"This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me," he said. "But, at the same time, there is so much to celebrate.
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"I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible."
Federer, who won his first grand-slam title at Wimbledon back in 2003, also thanked his family for their support, writing: "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 eight months pregnant, and has endured my goofy side on the road with my team for over 20 years.
"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."
Federer has not played a competitive match since losing to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer.al
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He later announced that he needed more surgery on his knee - an injury he has suffered with over recent years - having previously undergone two operations in 2020 that kept him out for more than a year.
While he had targeted a full return following the last operation, he revealed that it became increasingly clear his rehabilitation was not going as well as he had hoped.
Following news of his retirement, the official Wimbledon account tweeted to offer its congratulations to Federer on his amazing career.
It said: "Roger, Where do we begin? It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
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"We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many."
You'll be missed, Fed!
Topics: Sport
Dominic Smithers