The extraordinary career of Roger Federer
Stuid
Tennis legend Roger Federer announced retirement from professional tennis. Curtains come down on an illustrious career spanning over 20 years. The GOAT of tennis will wield racket for one last time at the Laver Cup in London, scheduled to begin next week.
The 41-year-old Swiss maestro has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles in his epic career. He moved around the tennis court with grace, winning the hearts of tennis fans across the globe.
Roger’s retirement has been long feared. The tennis superstar broke the news on his official Twitter handle on Thursday evening, with a speech and a lengthy written statement.
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I would have ever dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career,” wrote the iconic player.
Over the last few years, Federer has been constantly struggling with injuries. He underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, and yet another one in 2021, after his defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarterfinal.
Federer is more than a tennis star. He has a magnetic personality. He is charming, humble and relentless. His fans worship him and consider him the biggest inspiration of their lives. His never-say-die attitude and unmatchable skills on the tennis court earned him a cultish devotion, making him one of the greatest sportsmen of our generation.
Federer at his prime, made tennis look like an easy game. He had a great sense of humor. He was passionate and brimming with confidence. He had brilliant techniques that can bring down any opponent.
Roger Federer was the first player ever in tennis to win 20 grand slam titles. He has played 31 major finals, including a record 10 in a row. He has won several awards in his tennis career. The list includes the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award and the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award. He won the ATP Fan’s Favorite award for 17 years consecutively!
His greatest rivals include legendary players like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic.
Roger Federer has won the French Open once, the US Open five times, the Australian Open six times and Wimbledon for a record eight times.
The Big Three is a nickname in tennis for the trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They are considered as the greatest male tennis players in history.
Earnings
Roger Federer’s estimated net worth is over $450 million. His official sponsor Nike had paid him $12 million a year for a decade!
Road to Glory
Federer was born on August 8, 1981 in Basel, Switzerland. As a child he liked playing both football and tennis. Legendary players Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg were his tennis idols.
As a teenager, he trained at the Swiss National Tennis Center in Ecublens. The world took notice of the tennis prodigy at the 2001 Wimbledon, where 19-year-old Federer announced himself on the big stage by defeating Pete Sampras in the fourth round of the tournament.
Roger Federer will continue to inspire generations and is one of the finest players ever to have played the game of tennis!
Read More: Alzheimer’s disease- Causes and symptoms
Check your knowledge