“To my tennis family and everyone, of all the gifts tennis has given me over the years, the biggest have been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends and my competitors,” Federer said, in a statement posted on his Twitter account, along with an audio message. And, most importantly, the fans who gave the sport its life.”
He added: “Today I want to share with you a message, as many of you know, the past three years have been challenging with injuries and surgeries, I have been working hard to get back into full competitive shape, I worked hard and tried to come back but the message of the body was clear, I am 41 years old, I played Over 1,500 games over 24 years, next week’s Laver Cup will be my last tournament.”
He added, “It is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything that playing gave me, but at the same time there is a lot to celebrate, I see myself as one of the happiest people on earth, I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I gave everything I had and even more.”
He continued, “In particular I would like to thank my wonderful wife Mirka who has been with me every minute, watched countless matches when she was eight months pregnant, and has endured ridiculous aspects while traveling with me and my team for over 20 years, I also want to thank my four wonderful children. For their support, always enjoy discovering new places and creating great memories along the way, seeing my family in the stands cheering me on is a feeling I will celebrate forever.”
He continued: “I would also like to thank my dear parents and my dear sister, without her nothing would have been possible, and a big thank you to all the previous coaches who have always pointed me in the right direction. You guys were great! And thanks to Swiss tennis, who believed in me since I was a player. small and gave me the perfect start.”
I would like to thank my opponents on the field, I was fortunate enough to play many epic matches that I will never forget, we fought with integrity, with passion and strength, and always did my best to respect the history of this sport. I am so grateful. We pushed each other and took tennis Together to a new level, and above all, I would like to give a special thanks to my wonderful fans. You never know how much strength and faith you have given me. The inspiring feeling of walking through crowded stadiums and arenas was one of the greatest exciting things in my life. Without you, the accomplishments would have felt lonely, rather than lonely. To be filled with happiness and energy.
He continued, “The past 24 years have been a wonderful adventure. While at times it feels like it’s gone in 24 hours, it was so deep and magical that I was so lucky to have played in 40 countries. I laughed and cried, I felt joy, pain, and most of all I felt alive.” Unbelievably”.
He concluded: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me realize the dreams of a young Swiss football player… and finally tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
