Roger Federer says 'I am definitely done' and not planning to make a retirement U-turn after Laver Cup 2022

ByEurosport

Published 20/09/2022 at 15:04 GMT

Roger Federer insists he is not going to be making a retirement U-turn. On September 15, the 20-time Grand Slam winner shocked the tennis world when he announced he would no longer play competitive matches after this year's Laver Cup at the O2 Arena in London. The Laver Cup will be exclusively live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk this weekend.

Roger Federer says he is "definitely" retiring from tennis following the conclusion of this year's Laver Cup.

Global sports stars such as NFL legend Tom Brady and heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury have previously announced their retirements from their respective sports before swiftly deciding to make comebacks.

However, Federer insists he will not do the same.

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Asked by American morning TV show Today whether he would consider making a return to the ATP tour in the future, he replied: "I am definitely done."

He added: "I know that, yeah."

Federer will be part of a formidable Team Europe at the Laver Cup alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, with the trio boasting 63 Grand Slam titles between them.

• Federer is the 'most beautiful player I have ever seen' – McEnroe
• 'I gasped' - The story of Federer’s most important shot
• Federer set for 'great send-off' alongside Nadal, Djokovic and Murray – Henman

Former world No. 1 Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud make up the rest of the team with Italy's Matteo Berrettini named as an alternate.

‘Better for all concerned’ – McEnroe on Federer and Serena retirements

Federer has not played since the 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finals after undergoing a third knee operation and will now bow out at the Laver Cup which starts on Friday.

The 41-year-old explained the reasons why he is retiring last week.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” he said in his statement posted to social media.

“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 recognise when it is time to end my competitive career.

“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”

Laver Cup will be 'proper send-off' for Federer, says Henman

Tributes have flooded in from across the world of tennis and beyond. Nadal said he had hoped “this day would never come” and Djokovic said it is “an honour to know” his esteemed rival.

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Stream the 2022 Laver Cup exclusively live on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk

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