Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar lead Indian cricketers’ tributes as Roger Federer announces retirement

Roger Federer retires with 20 grand slam singles titles to his name.

By Jatin Sharma - 15 Sep, 2022

Tennis great and 20-time grand slam singles champion Switzerland’s Roger Federer announced his retirement from competitive tennis but will play one last tournament, the Rod Laver Cup in London.

The Swiss tennis legend is one of the most accomplished players not only of his generation but in the history of the sport. He won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, third only to Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21) -- both of whom are still active.

Federer was ranked world No. 1 for 310 weeks in his career, and that includes at one point for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He was only 21 when he won his first major singles Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003.

He won Wimbledon seven more times and also won the US Open five times in a row from 2004 to 2008, six Australian Opens, and one French Open.

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Roger Federer announced the decision on Twitter writing: "As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries," he wrote. "I've worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body's capacities and limits, and it's message to me lately has been clear... Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career."   

Federer added that while the Laver Cup will be his final event on the ATP tour, he "will play more tennis in the future," but not "in Grand Slams or on the tour." 

After this news, tributes poured in for one of the most beloved and well-respected tennis players of this era and probably one of the greatest of all time. Amongst them were the members of the Indian cricket fraternity as well, who wished the legend for his future.

India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has shared his thoughts for Federer and wished him on Twitter.

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He posted: “What a career, @rogerfederer. We fell in love with your brand of tennis. Slowly, your tennis became a habit. And habits never retire, they become a part of us. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.”

Modern-era batting legend Virat Kohli also shared his wishes for the tennis star on his post on Instagram.

Apart from Kohli and Tendulkar, here are a few more wishes and tributes for Roger Federer from Indian cricketers.

Check them out here:

 

By Jatin Sharma - 15 Sep, 2022

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