Federer had announced he planned to return to the tour when he teams up with long-time rival and friend Rafa Nadal to play doubles at the Laver Cup in London. He had also planned to play at the Swiss indoor tournament at home in Basel.
Nadal posted a touching tribute,calling Federer his “friend and rival”.
“I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world,” Nadal said.
“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you,living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
Nadal has played Federer 40 times while Djokovic has faced him 50 times as the trio battled for supremacy,elevating the sport to stratospheric heights to spark the GOAT debate.
Federer himself called his retirement “bittersweet”,saying he would “miss everything the tour has given me”.
“But at the same time,there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth,” he 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 first served notice of his special talent when he beat American great Pete Sampras on his way to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2001.
Two years later,he outclassed Australian Mark Philippoussis on Wimbledon’s centre court to begin his grand slam collection.
Federer went on to win seven more Wimbledon titles,claimed five US Open titles,six Australian crowns and a single French Open achieved in 2009 to complete a career slam.
He also holds the record for 237 consecutive weeks as world No. 1. The only omission from his glittering CV is an Olympic singles gold medal,losing to Andy Murray in the 2012 final.
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The All England Club at Wimbledon,the scene of so many Federer triumphs,was among the first to acknowledge Federer’s retirement.
“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,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
Former women’s No.1 Billie Jean King described Federer as “champion’s champion”.
“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 a powerful tennis mind,” she said.
“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.”
Federer never won an Olympic gold medal in the singles,but he did win one in the doubles and was Switzerland’s proud flag bearer at the 2004 and 2008 Games.
“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,” Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said.
But more than his prowess on court,it was Federer’s charisma and genial personality that made him a role model for fans across generations.
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“He redefined greatness on the court while his champion spirit,sportsmanship and the way he played the game thrilled audiences around the world for decades,inspiring so many to pick up a racket,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said.
“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.”
Chris Evert,an 18-times major winner,said Federer was the “epitome of a champion. Class,grace,humility,beloved by everyone and he elegantly mastered the sport like no other.”