Roger Federer joins Serena Williams in retirement ranks: Tennis world reacts

In just a matter of weeks, both Serena Williams and Roger Federer have announced their retirements from tennis. 

Williams left the door open after a surprising U.S. Open run, but Federer has seemingly closed the door shut in a social media post.

Federer was the first of three men to dominate this era of tennis — namely just one alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. All three are fierce rivals on the court, but seemingly get along off of it.

At 41 years old, the 20-time grand slam singles champion revealed he’ll be calling it quits after the Laver Cup next week in London due to significant injury challenges. Federer had tried to come back for the U.S. Open, but failed to do so in part due to his injury rehab.

“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,” Federer said. “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.”

How many grand slams has Roger Federer won?

Federer has won 20 grand slams, which is third all-time behind Djokovic and Nadal, who continue to add to their totals as they wind down their own tennis careers. His last grand slam tournament victory was the 2018 Australian Open. Federer dominated his own era, and won eight Wimbledon titles, as well as a career Grand Slam.

Tennis world reacts to Roger Federer’s retirement

Tennis fans alike paid tribute to Federer, an all-time great who helped grow the sport as a whole.

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