In an exclusive interview with Savannah Guthrie on “Today,” Roger Federer affirmed that his decision to retire from professional tennis is indeed final.
Federer first shared the news on Twitter on Sept. 15, but as Guthrie said, “un-retiring is a thing now,” referencing NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who announced his retirement but later went on to play another season. However, after a tennis career spanning more than two decades, thousands of matches, and dozens of accolades, Federer said, “No, no. I am definitely done.”
Federer’s retirement news came as another huge shake-up to the professional tennis circuit just weeks after fellow superstar Serena Williams, 40, announced her retirement. The Swiss player has dominated men’s tennis since his professional debut in 1998, winning 20 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record eight Wimbledon singles titles, as well as a pair of Olympic medals.
In the statement posted to Twitter, Federer wrote: “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 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. . . . 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.”
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
In the same Twitter announcement, Federer explained that the Laver Cup, which runs from Sept. 23 to 25 in London this year, will be his final event with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP, the governing body of men’s professional tennis competitions). The Laver Cup pits a team of six top European players against another squad featuring six players from around the world.
Unwilling to abandon his love of the sport completely, Federer wrote that he’ll still play tennis, just not in the competitive circuit.
After thanking his family, fans, team, competitors, and sponsors, Federer continued: “The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure. While it sometimes feels like it went by in 24 hours, it has also been so deep and magical that it seems as if I’ve already lived a full lifetime. I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive.”
You can watch Federer’s full interview with NBC’s “Today” on Sept. 21.