Roger Federer has announced the “bittersweet” decision to bring his professional tennis career to a close. The 20-time grand slam champion has been struggling with a knee problem for the last three years and, aged 41, has accepted defeat in his bid for one last hurrah.
Federer will play in next week’s Laver Cup in London, the Ryder Cup-style competition that was his brainchild, but will then leave the professional game. He made the announcement via a letter posted on social media.
He said: "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 1,500 matches over 24 years.
