Australian tennis legend Rod Laver thanked Roger Federer for his contributions to the game of tennis.
On Thursday, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer announced he is retiring after next week’s Laver Cup.
Laver, a former 11-time Grand Slam champion, has always had a good relationship with Federer.
Also, Federer has always had a great level of respect and admiration for Laver.
“Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon,” Laver wrote on Twitter.
Thank you for everything Roger. See you soon. Rocket https://t.co/wjjk1lvd2H
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 15, 2022
Federer’s astonishing career set to end
After 24 years as an activel player on the Tour, Federer’s career is set to end.
Federer, who has had three knee surgeries since 2020, wanted to return this season and give tennis another shot, but his body told him it was time for him to retire.
In the future, Federer plans to play tennis, but not on the professional level.
“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,” Federer started in his statement. “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. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear. I’m 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.”