Roger Federer, regarded by many as the greatest male player to wield a tennis racket and who took the sport to new heights during a career spanning more than two decades, will retire after next week's Laver Cup in London.
The 41-year-old, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and re-defined a sport with his artistry and grace, broke the news tennis fans across the world have long dreaded in a lengthy statement on Thursday.
A knee injury meant he has not played a match since losing at last year's Wimbledon, although many still hoped he could come back for one last golden farewell.
But he said his age had finally caught up with him.
"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries," Federer said in an 845-word statement posted on social media.
"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 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it's time to end my competitive career. The Laver Cup next week in London 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."
The likely end of Serena Williams' tennis career following her emotional U.S. Open exit earlier this month and Federer's announcement leaves the sport staring at the beginning of the end of the its golden era.
Federer, who dominated men's tennis for several years after winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003 and who forged thrilling rivalries with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, has been troubled by injuries in recent years.
He has undergone three knee operations in the last two years and his last competitive match was a quarterfinal defeat against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz at the 2021 Wimbledon.
Federer had offered some hope to his legions of fans when he said he planned to return to the tour after teaming up with long-time rival and friend Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup in London next week.
He had also planned to play at the Swiss indoors tournament at home in Basel.
But he will sign off in London, the city where his unique ability to strike a tennis ball first captivated the tennis world and beyond.
"I wish this day would have never come. It's a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world," Nadal, who has eclipsed Federer by winning 22 Grand Slam titles, wrote on Twitter. "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.
"I'll see you in London."
'Special talent'
Federer, who has two sets of twins with wife Mirka, who he met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and married in 2009, said his decision to retire was bittersweet.
“But at the same time, there’s so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on earth,” Federer, whose on-court earnings totaled $130 million, said.
"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."
Federer was always regarded as a prodigiously talented youngster having first picked up a racket in Basel and won the Wimbledon junior title in 1998.
Three years later he beat American great Pete Sampras on his way to the quarter-finals at the All England Club and it seemed only a matter of time before his breakthrough came.
In 2003 he outclassed Mark Philippoussis on Wimbledon's Center Court to begin a Grand Slam collection that many thought would never be matched, although he now stands third on the men's all-time list behind Nadal and Djokovic.
Federer went on to win seven more Wimbledon titles, claimed five U.S. Open titles, six Australian crowns and a single French Open achieved in 2009 to complete his career Slam.
He also holds the record for 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1 and the only omission from his glittering resume is an Olympic singles gold medal, losing to Andy Murray in the 2012 final, although he did win the doubles in 2008.
Transcended sport
His last Grand Slam title came at the 2018 Australian Open, age 36, making him the oldest world No. 1 in the history of the ATP rankings. The following year he lost the Wimbledon final to Djokovic after holding match points.
Federer ended with 103 career titles, second to Jimmy Connors, reached 157 finals and stacked up a head-spinning array of records. The statistics cannot do justice, however, to an iconic player who was the closest thing to tennis royalty and who transcended the world of sport.
Tributes poured in after Federer's announcement.
"You changed the game #RForever" the men's ATP posted on Twitter, while women's great Billie Jean King described him as the "champion of champions."
"He has the most complete game of his generation and captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court and powerful tennis mind," the American trailblazer said.
Wimbledon, where Federer's eight titles is a record, summed up the sentiment perfectly.
"Where do we begin?" it said on its Twitter account. "It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
"We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many."
Reaction to Federer announcing his retirement
Rafael Nadal, 22-time Grand Slam winner
"I wish this day would have never come. 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. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you."
Wimbledon, where Federer won a men's record eight titles
"Roger, where do we begin? It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
"We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many."
Carlos Alcaraz, new men's No. 1
"Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! Thank you for everything you have done for our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!"
Iga Swiatek, women's No. 1
"I just 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. I wish you all the best."
Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman
"Roger's impact on tennis, and the legacy he's built, are impossible to overstate. Over 24 years as a professional, Roger brought millions of adoring fans into the game. He spearheaded an incredible new era of growth and elevated the popularity of our sport.
"Few athletes have transcended their field in such a manner. Roger made us all feel proud and fortunate to be part of the same sport. He redefined greatness on the court."
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis
"What a career, what a champion. Thank you Roger Federer for all the matches, victories, defeats and emotions we were able to experience. The Swiss couldn't be prouder!"
Chris Evert, 10-time Major winner
"He was the epitome of a champion; class, grace, humility, beloved by everyone and he elegantly mastered the sport like no other. Good luck to you, Roger Federer, don't go too far!"
Hubert Hurkacz, last player to face and beat Federer on tour
"It was an honor to experience your game for all these years and to share the court with you Roger Federer. You've been an inspiration to me and many, many others. Congratulations on a legendary career and good luck for the future."
Thomas Back, International Olympic Comitte President
"Roger Federer is a gentleman on and off the court — and a true Olympic champion. Congratulations Roger on your outstanding career, good luck for the future. Hope our paths will cross again."
Billie Jean King, fomer women's No. 1
"He has had a historic career with memories that will live on and on. Congratulations Roger Federer. We wish you the very best as your journey continues."
Scott Lloyd, CEO of Lawn Tennis Association
"He will retire as one of the legends of the game, who brought joy to anyone who watches tennis. Nobody who saw him play will forget his grace, elegance and poise on court.
"We were lucky that many of his greatest performances took place at Wimbledon, and he will always remain a favourite of the British crowds."
John Isner
"Some of Fed's numbers are laughably impossible to top (23 straight slam semi-finals, for instance) but his impact on tennis far exceeds what he accomplished on court.
"Absolute living legend. Thanks for all the countless memories."
Tommy Paul
"He is an icon. He is like the most-liked tennis player of all time. Really nice guy, Sad to see him go."
"He hasn't been on the tour in a while. The level on tour is really high right now. The tour is in good hands, but obviously we're going to miss him."
Juan Martin Del Potro, former U.S. Open champion
"I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you've done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you.
Andy Roddick, who lost the 2009 Winbledon final to Federer
"Cheers Roger. Thanks for the shared memories my friend. It was an honor to share time/experiences on the most hallowed grounds in our sport. Don't be a stranger.
"Also, seems like a good time to start training for Wimby (Obviously kidding)."
Petra Kvitova, twice Wimbledon champion
"Roger, you have always been such a huge inspiration to me. Your elegance, your grace, your beautiful game.
"I have always held you in the highest regard and want to congratulate you for an amazing career. Tennis won't be the same without you! Thank you."
Roland Garros
"An inspiration on and off the court. Thank you, Roger."
Laver Cup
"Congratulations on a transcendent competitive career. Thank you for being a never-ending source of inspiration."
Swiss Tennis
"Thank you Roger Federer for everything you have done for Swiss and international tennis, for all the countless emotions we were able to share with you, for every child you inspired to play tennis!"
Sachin Tendulkar, former cricketer
"What a career, Roger Federer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories."
Milos Raonic
"Thank you for doing more for tennis than any single individual. Thanks to you competitors and fans across the world get to experience and enjoy it all over the world.
"Congratulations on your achievements and the people you continue to impact in and away from tennis."
Denis Shapovalov
"A role model for me and so many others!! Thanks for everything Roger. It's been a privilege to share the court with you!!"
David Ferrer, former world No. 3
"The saddest day in tennis. Thanks Mr. Federer."
Gary Lineker, former soccer player and TV presenter
"It's been one of the great pleasures in life to watch you play. You've brought so much joy to so many. Good luck with whatever comes next."
Judy Murray, Andy Murray's mother
"The end of a magnificent era."
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