MAGRERETIRO na si Roger Federer sa tennis matapos ang Laver Cup sa London sa susunod na linggo.
Ang 41-year-old Swiss, nagwagi ng 20 Grand Slam titles at itinuturing ng marami na pinakamahusay na tennis player, ay hindi pa naglalaro magnula noong Wimbledon noong nakaraang taon.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” sabi ni Federer sa isang post sa Instagram.
“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.”
Si Federer, dinomina ang men’s tennis makaraang makopo ang kanyang unang Grand Slam title sa Wimbledon noong 2003, ay tinamaan ng injuries sa mga nakalipas na taon.
Sumailalim siya sa operasyon sa tuhod sa nakalipas na dalawang taon at ang kanyang huling competitive match ay ang quarterfinal defeat kontra Hubert Hurkacz ng Poland sa 2021 Wimbledon.
