‘Bittersweet Decision’: Roger Federer Says Laver Cup Final Pro Tennis Tournament

By Barry Janoff

September 15, 2022: Tennis is about to lose another icon.

Roger Federer said today that next week’s Laver Cup tournament in London would be his final ATP Tour event.

Serena Williams said she is “transitioning” away from the Hogolic WTA Tour, with the recent U.S. Open Grand Slam her final event.

However, unlike Williams, who has hinted she might return to play in the Australian Open in January, Federer was much more adamant about his decision.

“I am 41 years old. I’ve played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” Federer posted to his social media platforms. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever wold 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. 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.

““The Laver Cup (Sept. 23-25, Tennis Channel) 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.

“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 have always looked up to you and admired you,” Williams posted to social media. “Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people — including me.

“Welcome to the retirement club.”

The 20-time Grand Slam winner has had three surgeries on his right knee over the past two years and has played sporadically over that time.

His last appearance was a quarter-final loss at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I wish this day would have never come,” 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal posted to his social media platforms. “It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.

“It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. “

“Roger Federer is a champion’s champion (and) has the most complete game of his generation,” tennis legend Billie Jean King posted to social media along with a photo of her and Federer. “We wish you the very best as your journey continues.”

Women’s world No. 1 Iga Świątek offered on her social media platforms, “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you are for our sport. It’s been a privilege to witness your career.”

The Laver Cup already has significant impact as Federer is scheduled to play on Team Europe alongside Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

“I would like to thank my competitors on the court,” Federer said in his post. “I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We battled fairly, with passion and intensity and always tried my best to respect the history of the game.

“We pushed each other and together we took tennis to new levels.”

Like Williams, also 41, Federer has built a substantial platform of sponsors and business interests.

He earned more than $90 million over the past year, No. 7 among the world’s pro athletes and No. 1 among tennis players, nearly all of it from endorsement and business deals, according to Forbes.

His sponsors include Barilla, Credit Suisse, Jura, Lindt, Mercedes-Benz, Moët & Chandon, NetJets, On Running, Rimowa and Uniqlo.

“I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who are really like partners to me,” offered Federer.

He also works with The Roger Federer Foundation, which helps children in the poorest regions of the world.

“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.”

Among those singled out by Federer were his his wife Mirka and four kids, his parents and sister, former coaches, Swiss Tennis and his current team members.

However, he put his fans first and foremost.

“Above all I must offer a special thank-you to my unbelievable fans. You will never know how much strength and belief you have given me.

“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.

“The inspiring feeling of walking into filled stadiums and arenas has been one of the huge thrills in my life. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself.

“To the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”

In the Laver Cup, Team Europe, which also includes Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas under captain Bjorn Borg, will face Team World, with captain John McEnroe.

That roster includes Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex De Minaur, Taylor Fritz,  Diego Schwartzman, Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

Team Europe is undefeated in Laver Cup competition, winning in Prague 2017, Chicago 2018, Geneva 2019 and Boston 2021. The event was not held in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Federer, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic: Tennis Big Four At Laver Cup 2022

Back to Home Page