Federer’s full letter is as follows:
“Of all the gifts that tennis has given me in recent years, without a doubt, it has been all the people I have met along the way. Friends, rivals and the fans that sport has given me in this life. Today I want share some news with all of you.
As many of you know, in the last three years I have been presented with many challenges due to injuries and surgeries. I have worked hard to get back to the best competitive shape, but I also know the capabilities of my body and my limits and it is the message that my body has given me. I have 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 games in 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I could have ever dreamed of. And now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.
“Next week’s Laver Cup in London will be my last ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but it will not be at Grand Slams or on the ATP Tour.
This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the circuit has given me, but at the same time, there is much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the luckiest people on earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis and I did it at a level that I could never have imagined. And for longer than he would have thought possible.
I want to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived every minute with me. She tucked me in before the finals, she has watched countless matches even while eight months pregnant. I also want to thank my four wonderful children, who have always supported me, eager to explore new places and create wonderful memories on this trip. Seeing my family supporting me from the stands is a feeling I will cherish forever.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge my dear parents and my dear sister, without whom this would not have been possible.
A huge thank you to my former coaches, who always guided me in the right direction. They have been wonderful! To the Suiss Tennis (Swiss Federation) who believed in me as a young player and gave me an ideal start.
I want to really thank and acknowledge my wonderful team: Ivan, Dani, Roland and particularly Seve and Pierre, who gave me the best advice and have always been there for me. Also to Tony for managing my career so creatively for 17 years. You are all amazing and I have loved every minute with you.
I want to thank my loyal sponsors, who were really partners. And to the teams and tournaments that really work hard on the ATP Tour, who welcome all of us with kindness and hospitality.
I also want to thank my rivals on the track. I have been very lucky to play many epic matches that I will never forget. We fight fairly, with passion and intensity. I always gave my maximum to respect the history of this sport. I feel extremely grateful. We push each other and together we take tennis to new levels.
Above all, I must give a special thanks to my amazing fans. They will never know the great strength and confidence you have given me, the inspiring feeling of walking through packed stadiums and halls. It has been one of the great emotions of my life. Without you, these successes would have made me feel lonely, instead of full of joy and excitement.
The last 24 years on the circuit have been an incredible adventure. What sometimes seemed to last 24 hours was so profound and magical that it seemed as if he had lived a lifetime. I have had the great fortune to play in front of you in 40 different countries. I have laughed and cried, I have felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive. Through my travels I have met many wonderful people, who will be friends forever. They took time out of their busy schedules to come see me play and cheer me on all over the world. Thanks.
“When my love for tennis started, I was a ball catcher in my hometown Basel. I used to look at the players in wonder. They were like giants to me. That’s where my dream started. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself.The small successes gave me confidence and it was my way to the most wonderful journey that has taken me to this day.
So I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, everyone around the world who has helped me make the dreams of a young Swiss ball catcher come true.
Finally, for tennis: I love it and I will never leave it.”
Source: Ambito
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