Two weeks after saying goodbye to the GOAT of women’s tennis, Serena Williams, another legend of the game, eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, will be stepping aside, announcing Thursday his plans to retire after next week’s Laver Cup in London. Among the most storied players in the history of tennis, Federer will finish his remarkable career—one that spanned over two decades—with 111 titles (103 singles, eight doubles), 20 grand slams and two Olympic medals representing his native Switzerland, including a gold at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
Remembered for his rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer held the top position in the ATP world rankings for a record 237 consecutive weeks, spanning from February 2004 to August 2008. Along with his on-court success (he ranks third all-time with $130.59 million in career prize money), Federer is also well known for his humanitarian efforts, leaving behind a rich legacy of charitable endeavors including raising funds for victims of the COVID pandemic and opening over 80 schools in Africa, all while serving underprivileged communities with basic necessities like food and water.
Federer’s later career was plagued by injuries including a torn meniscus that shelved him for much of the 2016 season, though the 41-year-old is still acknowledged as one of the most beloved and influential figures in his sport. At his best, nobody made tennis look easier than Federer, a maestro on the court with unprecedented skill and mastery of a game that demands the utmost precision and stamina. Following news of his retirement Thursday morning, social media gathered to celebrate a tennis immortal, praising Federer’s accomplishments and the indelible impact he had on opponents, fans and reporters who had the privilege of covering his breathtaking 24-year career.
Though saying goodbye to all-time greats like Federer and Serena is never easy, the future of tennis is in good hands, with rising stars galore, a new wave of talent led by Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and recent US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, among other promising young talents.
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