Today: 3 July 2025
16 September 2022
2 mins read

‘Dear Roger… I wish this day would have never come’

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, on Thursday caught the tennis and sports world by surprise by announcing his retirement from top-level tennis…reports Asian Lite News

After Roger Federer’s announcement that next week’s Laver Cup will be his final ATP event, his friend and rival Rafael Nadal said that it’s a sad day for him personally and for sports around the world, adding that he wishes this would have never come.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, on Thursday caught the tennis and sports world by surprise by announcing his retirement from top-level tennis.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form, but I also know my body’s capabilities 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,” the tennis great said in a statement on Twitter.

“Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise 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,” he added.

Federer’s greatest on-court adversary Nadal acknowledged their rivalry, and their off-court friendship, in his retirement message written on social media.

“Dear Roger, my 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. 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,” said Nadal in a tweet.

“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London,” he added.

For six years during the Swiss’ career, the two tennis giants shared the No1 and No 2 ATP world rankings often meeting each other in Grand Slam finals, some of which have been labelled the greatest matches in history.

Notably, only Rafael Nadal (22) and Djokovic (21) have more Grand Slam trophies than Federer (20).

ALSO READ-Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

Previous Story

Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

Next Story

Oldest orphanage in Delhi rears orphans of North India

Latest from Sport

Top Javelin Throwers Ranked

Reigning world champion and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has reclaimed the top spot in the men’s javelin throw world rankings, according to the latest update by World Athletics. The Indian star

Gill: Bumrah Ready, Decision Soon

After a back stress fracture in the final 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Test, where he dominated Australia, Bumrah was confirmed by Gambhir and Gill to play only three of five Tests due to workload

Ronaldo stays! Al Nassr deal extended

Portuguese icon commits to Saudi side amid swirling transfer rumours and global football spotlight Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until 2027, putting an end

Headingley Heat or Swing Trap

Jaffer pointed out that Joe Root is undoubtedly the main guy that India should be looking to dislodge, even as others, including skipper Ben Stokes, are in indifferent batting form…writes Niharika Raina

Full Carse Ahead

Carse is adamant he will be taking the five-game series against India as an opportunity to show the different skills he brings to the table. England quick Brydon Carse is relishing the
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Classic end to ‘Royal Federer Age’

The Swiss earned six Australian Open triumphs, the 2009 Roland

Roger Federer, JW Anderson team Up for stylish & versatile Collection

The collection is aimed at those who lead an active and