Federer and his great gesture of support for Ukraine 0:45
(CNN Spanish) --
The announcement of Roger Federer's retirement from tennis through an emotional letter generated a wave of reactions around the world.
The 41-year-old Swiss, winner of 20 Grand Slams, will end his professional career after participating in the Laver Cup, which will be held next week in London.
Athletes from all over the planet celebrated Federer's legacy upon learning of the announcement.
"Roger, where to start. It was a privilege to witness your path and see how you became a champion, in every sense of the word," published the official Wimbledon account, one of the most important tennis tournaments in which Federer participated.
"Thank you for the memories and for the joy you have brought to so many," he added.
Roger,
Where do we begin?
It's been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word.
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We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.
pic.twitter.com/VDWylKvW86
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) September 15, 2022
In the letter he shared with his followers on Thursday, Federer explained that his retirement was due to a series of injuries suffered in recent times that forced him to undergo two knee surgeries in 2020, and another two in 2021.
This was Federer's surprise with one of his followers 0:35
The new number 1 fires Federer
One of those who echoed Federer's withdrawal was the current world number 1 and brand new winner of the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz, 19 years old.
His reaction, though brief, was symbolic, writing Roger's name next to a broken heart.
Roger… 💔
– Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) September 15, 2022
"Legend, thanks for everything Roger," wrote Denis Shapovalov, Canadian current 24th in the ATP ranking.
"You changed this sport" was the phrase used by the ATP circuit to honor Federer before his farewell from professional sport, after even breaking several records such as becoming the oldest number 1 in the world at 36 years old and the one of remain at the top of the rankings for a record 237 consecutive weeks.
You changed the game, #RForever.
@rogerfederer ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XIyDzCMTuk
– ATP Tour (@atptour) September 15, 2022
Federer's extensive career coincided with the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal and 21-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, with whom he dominated men's tennis for the past two decades.
"I would also like to thank my rivals on the court," Federer said in the letter published on Thursday.
"I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget. We fought fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always did my best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful."
The Laver Cup, which was chosen by Federer to close his professional career next week, also paid tribute to the tennis star.
"Congratulations on a transcendentally competitive career. Thank you for being an endless source of inspiration," wrote the official account of the tournament.
Congratulations on a transcendent competitive career.
Thank you for being a never-ending source of inspiration.
pic.twitter.com/NBsutjkPGl
– Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 15, 2022
The tennis player, born in the Swiss city of Basel, boasts a long list of sporting successes.
He won 103 singles titles and 8 doubles titles, according to the ATP, in addition to 20 Grand Slam titles.
Federer also won six Australian Opens, one Roland Garros, six Wimbledons, and five US Opens.
RetirementRoger Federer
