Perspective: With Roger Federer’s retirement, tennis loses another golden star
in 2009, he surpassed Pete Sampras as the greatest male major champion tennis had ever seen. It never occurred to anyone on that historic day that Nadal and Djokovic would actually surpassNadal has 22 major victories, Djokovic 21 and Federer 20 — the last coming at the Australian Open in 2018 at the age of 36.
But Federer wasn’t just a champion; he delivered must-watch tennis. He played the game with a grace and style unlike anyone else. He was a wonderful winner and a gracious loser. Even after falling in his last major final, a five-set classic to Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2019, he kept his sense of humor. That was the year the tournament introduced a fifth-set tiebreaker at 12-all and Djokovic won it after Federer had two match points while leading 8-7.
A few more numbers: Federer was No. 1 in the world for 310 weeks, including 237 in a row . He was last No. 1 in 2019 — when he was 38 — and in his last appearance in a major championship, he reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2021, a month shy of turning 40., including a 6-0 third set. That turned out to be his final appearance in a major championship. He finished with a remarkable record of 369-60 at Grand Slams and reached 31 finals.
But he came back to win again both in Australia and at Wimbledon. That made it difficult to doubt him when he said he thought he had one more comeback in him afterBut when he announced he wouldn’t play Wimbledon or the U.S. Open this year, there was little doubt the end was near.— or so it would appear — on the second grandest stage in tennis, at the U.S. Open. Federer will apparently go out at a glorified exhibition — an event he helped create and is an investor in — that has little meaning.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tennis great Roger Federer says he’s retiringRoger Federer is retiring from professional tennis at 41, closing a career in which he won 20 Grand Slam titles, finished five seasons ranked No. 1 and helped create a golden era of men’s tennis.
Read more »
Roger Federer says he is retiring from professional tennisThe 41-year-old tennis star, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, said the Laver Cup in London next week will be his farewell event.
Read more »
Roger Federer retiring: A look at the tennis great through the years, in photosRoger Federer, 41, is retiring from pro tennis, closing a career in which he won 20 Grand Slam titles. Take a look back at his career.
Read more »
Roger Federer didn't always play perfect tennis – but he made it look perfect | OpinionDespite age and injuries, Roger Federer is retiring from tennis after making it look perfect at times during his storied career, writes DanWolken
Read more »
Roger Federer Leaves Behind a Distinct, Beautiful Mark on TennisRoger Federer has announced his retirement from professional tennis. He leaves behind a distinct, beautiful (of course) mark on the sport, jon_wertheim writes
Read more »