Roger Federer announces his retirement from the ATP Tour and grand slams
The Swiss-born five-time Grand Slam champion announced his retirement from the ATP Tour and grand slams.
“After a great performance in the semi-finals of the Roland Garros tournament (in which I won the title), I felt that it would be a good time to stop competing,” Federer said in a statement on Monday.
“Unfortunately my body is unable to cope with the demands of the season and it has made me decide to retire from the ATP Tour.”
Although he had his chances to defend his title to the Australian Open, which he won last year, Federer had to settle for his last appearance at the event.
After the two-week end-of-season events, Federer will move on with his career to continue his coaching role at the Swiss Open. The event in Geneva will take place from November 3-6.
Federer said it was difficult to say why he felt his body was failing him at his “best” time.
“I have no clear reason why my physical condition has deteriorated,” he added.
He described it as “complicated” to understand his decline.
“It would be good if I could have a clear explanation behind the decision,” he said.
Federer had been leading a remarkable comeback that had taken him from the brink of complete retirement to a Grand Slam singles title in just over five years. During his final match at Roland Garros, where he won the title, the 20-time Grand Slam champion made three errors and gave his opponent, fifth-seeded David Goffin, a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win.
The Swiss star has won 39 consecutive Grand Slam singles titles and has lifted the men’s crown seven times. And while he was on his way to an unprecedented seventh Wimbledon title, Federer had to retire midway through the tournament due to a serious right knee