Roger Federer announces retirement from professional tennis after Laver Cup

Xtra Time Web Desk: Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has announced his retirement from professional tennis on Thursday. Federer announced his decision in a long emotional post on social media. The 41-year-old will play his final ATP event in the Laver Cup in London starting next week in London. Federer’s decision to retire will definitely be an end of an era.

The Swiss tennis star along with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic ruled the tennis circuit and were often called the Big Three.

“The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, or course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour,” he said in the video.

Federer made his Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) debut at the 1998 Swiss Open Gstaad in his home country of Switzerland where he lost to Lucas Arnold Ker in the first round. However, this did not deter the young man as he won his first ATP match against  Guillaume Raoux, the next year.

“Of all the gifts that tennis has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I’ve met along the way: my friends, my competitors, and most of all the fans who give the sport its life. Today, I want to share some news with all of you,” Federer said.

Federer added, “I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is 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.”