It is not easy to describe the greatness of Roger Federer. The Swiss tennis player has had a complete career, one overflowing with titles, sustained by almost unmatched longevity, and undertaken with an on-court grace and elegance that arguably no player will exhibit again. But even perfect things must come to an end – on Monday 15 September, Roger Federer announced his retirement from competitive tennis.
Having famously made his first steps onto a professional tennis court as a ball boy at the Swiss Indoors Basel, Federer quickly became the main attraction himself; a junior Wimbledon title in 1998 hinted at what was to come, and he made his senior debut just days later, at the Swiss Open Gstaad. By 2003 Federer was a Grand Slam champion, winning the Wimbledon singles title aged just 21.
Federer would go on to win an astonishing number of titles: the Swiss star picked-up a further 7 Wimbledon trophies – his total of 8 is the most won by any man - 6 Australian Opens, a Roland-Garros title, and 5 US Opens. He also won the year-end ATP Finals on 6 occasions, and even found time to win gold and silver Olympic medals! His 237 consecutive weeks as world number 1 is still a record in the men’s game. Typically, Federer achieved all of these feats whilst employing his trademark brand of stylish, effortless, but ultimately devastating tennis, winning him legions of fans around the world.
Aged 41 and hampered by injuries for the last few years, it is not surprising that Roger Federer is retiring, but his departure from the professional tour will still be dramatically felt. He’s not gone yet though – the maestro has promised a final appearance at the Laver Cup, which is taking place between 23-25 September, at The O2 in London. That he will be joined at the event by Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal – 3 of his biggest rivals – will make the send-off even more special. Official single session non-hospitality ticket prices start at GBP £160.65, but there are plenty of resale tickets available too.
