Federer: Twelve Final Days

On September 14, 2022, Roger Federer recorded a heartfelt video announcing his retirement after 24 years of a remarkable tennis career. This announcement marked the end of an era for a player who had inspired countless fans around the world.

The day after his retirement announcement, the news spread globally, reaching fans and media alike. This prompted an outpouring of emotions and tributes from fellow players and supporters who celebrated his illustrious career.

Over the past three years prior to his retirement, Roger faced numerous challenges due to injuries and surgeries. His persistent knee issues, highlighted by fluid accumulation during training, ultimately pushed him towards this decision.

During the 2016 Australian Open, Roger sustained an injury while multitasking in bath time for his children. This incident led to the discovery of a meniscus issue, setting the stage for a series of physical challenges in the years to come.

In 2020, Roger underwent surgery to address his meniscus issue from the previous injury. Unfortunately, complications arose, requiring a second procedure that further hindered his return to competitive tennis.

Following his return from surgery, Roger experienced a series of match losses, which affected him emotionally. The frustration was not only felt by him but also resonated with his family, who witnessed his struggle on the court.

As Roger acknowledged that he could no longer compete at a Grand Slam level, he felt a deep sense of relief for both himself and his family. This acceptance was hard-won after undergoing four surgeries throughout his career.

Roger's extraordinary journey began as a ball kid in Basel, where his passion for tennis ignited. Throughout his career, he met Mirka Federer on the tennis circuit, and their love story blossomed as they traveled the world together.

Roger was surrounded by a strong support system throughout his career. His manager Tony Godsick and friend Mary Joe Fernandez played critical roles in helping him navigate the emotional and physical challenges he faced.

As part of his farewell, Roger participated in the Laver Cup in London, representing Team Europe. This event, which he helped create, allowed him to reflect on his legacy while playing alongside greats like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

In his last doubles match, Roger played alongside Rafael Nadal, fulfilling his wish to share the court one last time. Their relationship, marked by fierce competition and mutual respect, culminated in an emotional game filled with reminiscing.

During the match on September 23, Roger and Nadal initially took the first set but ultimately lost in a tiebreak filled with unforced errors. Despite the loss, the applause and support from fans made the moment unforgettable.

After the match, Roger embraced his teammates and felt the weight of finality around him. The farewell was charged with emotions as he recognized the end of his professional journey, particularly with Nadal by his side.

In his farewell speech, Roger expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, especially to Mirka Federer. His words encapsulated the essence of his journey in tennis, reflecting on the significant impacts he had made on the sport he loved.