Roger Federer, one of the greatest Men’s Tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement from the sport. This decision comes just a few months after Serena WIlliams, the second all time leader in Grand Slams, also decided to step away. Federer’s decision came after a multitude of knee operations, which ended up being too much to handle. Federer made the announcement over social media, in which he said, “I am 41 years old; I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” Federer said in an audio clip posted on social media. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamed, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.” 

Federer made his final competitive tennis appearance in the 2022 Laver Cup, a tournament between Team World, and Team Europe, with Team World being made up of players from each continent besides Europe. Federer’s final match pitted him and long time rival, Rafael Nadal against Americans Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock against each other in a doubles match. Nadal and Federer lost in three sets, marking the end of Federer’s tennis career. Nadal said, “When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too. Because all the moments that he has been next to or in front of me are important moments of my life.” Feder leaves a tennis legend, with one of the most impressive sports resumes one can have. Federer retired with 20 grand slams, a total 103 ATP Singles Championships, and 237 consecutive weeks as world number one, which ranks second all time.

Serena Williams, who retired with 23 grand slams, is likewise, widely regarded as the greatest women’s tennis player of all time. She also holds the record for most consecutive weeks as world number one, along with multiple doubles championships. Her aggressive and powerful style of the game became the model for women’s tennis players. According to Federer, she has a case to be considered the greatest tennis player of all time – male or female. 

Federer debuted on the ATP Tour in 1998, and Williams turned professional in 1995. The departure from the game of these two tennis greats represents a changing of hierarchy and sets the stage for the new generation of athletes. This iconic pair of tennis stars will have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.