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The hero Roger Federer in numbers and what other tennis legends have said about him
The renowned Roger Federer is a Swiss professional tennis player who was ranked world No. 1 by the Association of Tennis Professionals for 310 weeks, including a record 237 consecutive weeks, and has remarkably finished as the year-end No. 1 five times.
The 41-year-old has on Thursday shocked the world when he announced his upcoming retirement.
In a video posted and note on social media, Federer confirmed that next week’s Laver Cup would be his final ATP event.
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer said. “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 am 41 years old.
“I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognize when it’s 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.”
Meanwhile, the Hologic WTA Tour and its players, past and present, took to social media to celebrate the Swiss great. As always, Billie Jean King led the way, along with Serena and Venus Williams and current No.1 Iga Swiatek. We wish you the very best as your journey continues.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 15, 2022
He was the epitome of a champion; class, grace, humility, beloved by everyone…and he elegantly mastered the sport like no other…Good luck to you, @rogerfederer don’t go too far!
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) September 15, 2022
What a heartfelt message , full of love, life, hope, passion and gratitude. Which is exactly how Roger played the game we love so much. Thank you thank you thank you, for all the magic!!!
Xoxoxo
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 15, 2022
I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you are for our sport. It’s been a privilege to witness your career. I wish you all the best.
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) September 15, 2022
And other tennis legend have not hidden their respect for the arguably the best player of the game:
‘If you want to be a tennis player, then mould yourself on Roger Federer. I won three Wimbledon titles and I wish I could play like him’ – John McEnroe.
‘The body of work is phenomenal and now he has got that French Open and I think he can just go on and sip Margaritas for the rest of his life’ – Martina Navratilova.
‘The best way to beat him would be to hit him over the head with a racket’ – Rod Laver.
‘If he’s playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible. When he’s 100 per cent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him’ – Rafael Nadal.
‘I don’t think you can always, or you can ever, get your game to perfection. Only if you are Federer’ – Novak Djokovic.
‘I can cry like Roger, it’s just a shame I can’t play like him’ – Andy Murray.
Roger Federer in numbers
20 – grand slam titles
31 – grand slam finals
23 – consecutive appearances in grand slam semi-finals from 2004 to 2010
36 – consecutive appearances in grand slam quarter-finals
65 – consecutive grand slam appearances from 2000 to 2016
8 – Wimbledon titles, the most of any man
6 – Australian Open titles
5 – US Open titles
1 – French Open title
1,251 – career matches won out of 1,526
369 – match wins in grand slams
22 – consecutive appearances at Wimbledon
310 – weeks spent at world number one, 237 of them consecutively
36 – at 36 years and 320 days, he was the oldest world No.1 in ATP history
5 – Federer has reached the final at every grand slam at least five times
103 – career titles, second in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors
6 – titles won at the ATP Finals, an all-time record
10 – titles won at the ATP events in Basle and Halle
12 – titles won in 2006, his most successful season
92 – matches won from 97 played in 2006
65 – consecutive matches won on grass from 2003 to 2008
3 – Federer reached the finals of all the grand slams in three different seasons
24 – losses to his great rival Rafael Nadal from 40 matches