The 20-time Grand Slam winner penned a letter than thanked the people who have been there for him, as well as thanking the fans. He also says that he will play more tennis in the future, but just not on the ATP Tour or in any more Grand Slam events.
He also added that he recognizes his limitations and he acknowledges the struggles he has gone through with his injury and surgeries in the past three years. He wrote:
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 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.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” he added. “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.”
He added that the decision to retire from the Tour was bittersweet for him and that he will miss everything.
“This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. 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.
In his prime, Federer was considered one of the best tennis players on the planet. He held the No.1 spot in the ATP for 237 consecutive weeks and at 36, he was the oldest player in history to be ranked No.1.
He ended his message by saying:
“So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true.
“Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”