'THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES'

Tennis great Federer calls time on glittering career, to play last tournament next week

End of an era- Roger Federer, 41, leaves tennis as one of its greatest players.

CAREER HISTORY

Grand Slams 20

Wimbledon 8

Australian Open 6

US Open 5

French Open 1

Singles titles 103

Number of weeks at No. 1 310

Prize money US$130 million

Record consecutive weeks at No. 1 237

GENEVA - From racket-smashing enfant terrible with a bad attitude and ill-advised ponytail to universally respected role model and modern icon, Roger Federer has attained almost saintly status.

That was why he broke the hearts of many when he announced the dreaded news on Thursday that he will retire from competitive tennis after next week's Laver Cup in London.

The 41-year-old Swiss, who won 20 Grand Slam titles and is regarded as one of the best players ever to wield a racket, has not played a match since the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2021, after which he underwent his third knee surgery in 18 months.

"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries," he said in a post on Instagram.

"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.