WTA founder pays tribute to Roger Federer

WTA founder Billie Jean King called Roger Federer “a champion’s champion” and acknowledged that his influence in the game has been absolutely tremendous.

On Thursday, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer announced his career would end following the conclusion of the Laver Cup.

Federer is set to go down as not only one of the greatest players in tennis history, but as one of the best athletes in all sports history.

“Roger Federer is a championā€™s champion. He has the most complete game of his generation & captured the hearts of sports fans around the world with an amazing quickness on the court & a powerful tennis mind. He has had a historic career with memories that will live on and on. Congratulations @rogerfederer. We wish you the very best as your journey continues,” King tweeted.

Federer: It’s a bittersweet decision

Federer has had three knee surgeries since 2020.

His most recent knee surgery took place during last year’s August.

Federer’s goal was to return to competitive action at the Laver Cup and then play Basel next month.

But Federer’s body was telling him that it was time for him to retire and the Swiss felt retiring was the right thing to do.

Federer retiring from the game is certainly a loss for the game, but he is refusing to be negative as he feels there is so much to celebrate.

“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,” Federer said.

Tennis fans will have one last chance to see Federer in action during next week’s Laver Cup in London.