Roger Federer to retire from tennis at 41

Roger Federer, Swiss tennis star, says he will be retiring from the sport after playing in the Laver Cup billed for next week.

The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion announced the end of his career in a letter posted on his Twitter handle on Thursday.

The 41-year-old described the decision to step away from tennis as “bittersweet” after a career spanning 24 years.

He added that although he would continue to play tennis, it would not be “in Grand Slams or on the tour.”

“To my tennis family and beyond. 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,” the letter reads.

“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.

“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.”

“But I also know my body’s capacities 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. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.

“This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But, at the same time, there is so much to celebrate.

“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”

The announcement came after the Swiss had battled recurring knee injuries over the past three years, which saw him play his last competitive match in Wimbledon last year.

Federer won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003 and would go on to win 19 more grand slams.

He is considered to be one of the greatest of all-time tennis players. He also has a three-way rivalry with Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The Laver Cup serves off on September 23 and ends two days later.