After one of the greatest tennis careers of all time, Roger Federer announced his plans to retire from professional tennis on Sept. 15 in an Instagram post. Revered by millions around the world as the GOAT (greatest of all time), the 20 time Grand Slam winner has left the sports world in shock.
After his 24 year career, out of which three were spent facing injuries and surgeries, Federer concluded he was no longer capable of performing at his best.
Federer played in his last professional match, the Laver Cup, on Sept. 23. Alongside him was another tennis legend, Rafael Nadal. During the match, the two shared a special moment as they reflected on Federer’s influential and inspiring career.
After concluding the final match of his career, fans, his opponents and the tennis world witnessed the end of an era in professional tennis. Anyone who has supported Federer through the years had a hard time watching the Laver Cup, knowing it would be their last time seeing him compete at a professional level.
Serena Williams, also regarded as a GOAT of tennis, announced her decision to retire on Aug. 9, a few months prior to Federer’s announcement. The combined 43 Grand Slams between the two will be missed as this era of tennis comes to an end.
The departure of Federer from the sport of tennis was especially bitter as he had one of the most decorated careers the game has ever seen. From Grand Slam titles to ESPY awards, Federer had a career that has inspired millions of young, aspiring athletes.
The impact of his retirement has touched tennis players at PV. The initial plan to retire was hard enough for fans to brace, but seeing the final moments of his career at the Laver Cup was especially draining.
2022 PV graduate Jake Dolphin played on the Varsity Tennis team for all four years of his high school career. His biggest inspiration and favorite tennis player is Federer. “Seeing him retire is really sad because [Dolphin] looks forward to watching him compete. Tennis will not be the same without him on the court,” he stated.
Dolphin had a hard time hearing the news about the retirement, but an especially hard time as he cherished the last competitive moment at the Laver Cup. “It was definitely really emotional seeing Federer and Nadal crying and supporting each other,” he commented. “It is definitely one of, if not the best, tennis moment in the history of the sport.” Federer left his mark on all of his fans, and the game will forever be different without seeing him on the center court at tournaments.
Junior Folu Adekunle is the captain of the Varsity Tennis team and recognizes Federers’ greatness. “Tennis would be very different without him because he is the greatest player of all time. Growing up, many kids and myself looked up to him,”Adekunle stated.
As the world witnesses the retirement of one of the tennis greats, Federer’s legacy will always remain an inspiration to millions around the world.
