He is 41. Of course, this was on the cards.
But when Roger Federer announced on Thursday – via audio and a letter written to the people he met along the way, as he put it – that it was time to put a full stop to his competitive career, it still hit hard. The Laver Cup in London is set to be his final event on tour.
“I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour,” he added. And then he ended the letter with the words, “Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”
Even while announcing his retirement, Federer wanted to let the millions of tennis fans around the world know he will be present. He will still be around, there and thereabouts. Kinda. Sorta.
Just not at the Australian Open, which he had once won after spending months away from the circuit, and saying he would be okay with losing against his greatest rival, and that he would take a draw if it was possible.
Just not at Roland Garros, where he toiled hard for years as his friend, the King of Clay reigned supreme, but did manage to…
