World of sport reacts to Roger Federer’s retirement
Roger Federer will retire at the end of the season after a 21-year career which made him a superstar.
The five-time Grand Slam winner said in a statement on Thursday that he had decided to stop competing after undergoing yet another surgery after sustaining a foot injury.
An 11th-hour decision by the Swiss tennis federation, announced by Federer on Wednesday after he had initially requested an indefinite break to recover, appeared to have angered the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
He also revealed that he had been suffering from a foot pain for almost a year before it was discovered.
“It is with great sadness that I must announce that I will retire at the end of the season,” said Federer, who reached the finals at Flushing Meadows in 2013 and 2016.
“I’ve suffered from a recurring injury for the entire 2015 season and I’ve had to take time off to allow my foot to fully recover, including a second operation in May.
Federer, who earned just over $15m for the calendar year, also confirmed he would donate his prize money to charity.
Federer, the best-known face of the Swiss racquet-based sport, had been a part-time professional for the majority of the past decade.
The 27-year-old said he would continue to work as a coach to athletes.
I am very sad to know it will be my last year of professional tennis. I love teaching and coaching tennis to youngsters in Switzerland.
Federer, who had battled a variety of injuries in the past, said he wanted to “share the stage with all of the legends that have played in the history of tennis”.
“I am very sad to know it will be my last year of professional tennis,” he said in a statement released by the Swiss federation.
“I love teaching and coaching tennis to youngsters in Switzerland.
“If I have the opportunity to return to professional tennis to coach another young tennis player and if I am given the opportunity to contribute to the sport’s development, I will do so with all my heart and thank you for