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

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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