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Tennis legend Roger Federer on Thursday, 15 September, announced that he will retire from the sport following the Laver Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the last week of September.
Federer thanked his wife, children, parents, team, and sponsors in an emotional retirement announcement. Moreover, he also thanked his competitors. He said:
The winner of 20 grand slams, Federer also said, “The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure… I have had the immense fortune to play in front of you in over 40 different countries.”
Roger Federer won his first grand slam in 2003, when he won the Wimbledon title, and went on to win six Australian Opens, one French Open, eight Wimbledons, and five US Open titles since. He has been suffering from a knee injury for the last few years.
In his illustrious career which spanned across over two decades, Federer has won a record eight men’s grand slam titles. Besides that, he won the Australian Open five tiles, the US Open men’s singles title five times, and also lifted the French Open silverware in 2009.
Besides that, Federer has also won two medals for his country in the Olympics – a gold in men’s doubles in 2008 and a silver in men’s singles in 2012.
Former India cricket team captain Mithali Raj reacted to Federer's retirement news, and said, "Grace and elegance personified, the title of GOAT suits you well Roger Federer. Thank you for all the memories, champ."
Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz said, "Roger has been one of my idols and a source of inspiration! ?Thank you for everything you have done fo our sport! I still want to play with you! Wish you all the luck in the world for what comes next!"
Sania Mirza also shared a photo with Federer with a caption that said, "Will tennis ever be the same?"
"What a career Roger Federer. Truly greatest of all times," former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar said.
"Farewell to the GOAT! Congratulations on an immense career Roger Federer," Indian cricketer Surya Kumar Yadav tweeted.
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