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Roger Federer is ‘certainly the greatest player of all time’, says tennis federation chief after retirement announcement | World News


Immediately after hearing the news that Roger Federer decided to retire, the world tennis tycoon had no doubt about the position of the 20-time Grand Slam champion in men’s content.

“Sure, Hear will be the greatest tennis player of all time,” International Tennis Federation President David Haggerty told Sky News. And I think when people think of tennis, he’s the icon they think of. “

Most of all, spectators have been captivated by his grace and dexterity on the field over the past 24 years over 1,500 matches.

His status was lifted off the court as major brands gravitated toward his style.

And the acclaim and fortune paid off – after he set up a foundation that provides education in South Africa and his native Switzerland.

Mr Haggerty said: “Roger’s impact on the sport goes beyond his many titles, records and achievements.

“He’s ramped up fan engagement globally, bringing millions of players to the game, and it’s great to see that.”

Read more: Tennis champion Roger Federer announces retirement after winning 20 Grand Slams

So tennis fans are used to seeing Federer top the world rankings. A record 237 consecutive weeks was spent at No 1 – 77 weeks longer than Jimmy Connors’ record in the 1970s.

This is the era shaped by Federer since his first Slam success at Wimbledon in 2003 at the age of 21. Only injuries, requiring three knee surgeries in recent years, have kept him out of major titles by Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (21).

May 31, 2022;  Paris, France;  Rafael Nadal (ESP) on the grid with Novak Djokovic (SRB) after their match on day 10 of the French Open at Stade Roland-Garros.  Nadal won 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4).  Required credit: Susan Mullane-USA Sports TODAY

“He helped elevate Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to greatness,” Haggerty said. “He has inspired millions of people to watch and play tennis around the world.”

After Federer leaves competitive tennis following next week’s Laver Cup in London, what does the future of the sport look like?

Mr Haggerty said: “I think every time a great player leaves the game you worry about the future and Roger has certainly done a lot to promote tennis as such an icon and a player.”

Tennis leadership is encouraged that the US Open earlier this month is a contest for Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, who were not even born when Federer began his career.

Mr Haggerty said: “Roger and the rest of the team have inspirational players, the next generation will pass.

Of course, Nadal and Djokovic will still be on the field to compete. Just without Federer – driving them to chase titles.

Federer’s record in numbers

• 20 – Grand Slam title
• 31 – Last appearance
• 23 – Consecutive appearance in Grand Slam semi-finals from 2004 to 2010, an all-time record
• 8 – Wimbledon titles, the most of any man
• 1,251 – Won out of 1,526 career games
• 369 – Major tournament wins
• 310 – Number of weeks at number one in the world, 237 consecutive weeks
• 5 – Federer has reached the final in every Grand Slam at least five times
• 103 – Career title, second in the Open Era behind Jimmy Connors
• 65 – Consecutive wins on grass from 2003 to 2008
• 2 – Olympic medals: double gold with Stan Warwrinka in 2008 and silver single in 2012
• £113,577,897 – Career Bonus



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