Roger Federer and Serena Williams are two of the most iconic tennis players to have ever graced the court. These names are household names as far as tennis is concerned. Between them, they have forty-two grand slam singles titles, among other titles and awards. It was, therefore, a shock to the world of sports when these two icons announced their retirement from the noble game less than a month apart.
Serena Jameka Williams announced her retirement in the September 2022 issue of Vogue, saying she is evolving away from tennis to other things that are important to her. The 41-year-old stated that if she had to choose between her tennis résumé and her family, she would choose the latter. It is noteworthy that Serena Williams won the 2017 Australian Open without losing a set while she was two months pregnant with her child, Olympia, who is now five. She also stated that she will be delving more into her entrepreneurial pursuits, saying that she wants to be remembered for being more than just a tennis player.
Serena Williams is considered by many to be the greatest female tennis player of all time. The Women's Tennis Association ranked her number one in singles for 319 weeks, and a record 186 consecutive weeks. She also finished as number one at the year-end five times. She has won 23 grand slam titles, second only to Margaret Court.
Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis shortly after Serena Williams did at the Laver Cup, which was held in London. The 41-year-old Swiss player stated recurrent knee injuries as the reason for his retirement. Following three knee surgeries, the Swiss said he is listening to the message his body was sending him.
Roger Federer played over 1500 matches in a career that spanned over 24 years. Winning his first grand slam at the age of 21 at Wimbledon, he later went on to win 20 grand slam titles. He reached 23 consecutive grand slam semi-finals and 36 consecutive quarter-finals. He also clinched two Olympic medals. He, alongside rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, referred to as the big three, birthed the greatest era the game has ever seen.
Roger Federer and Serena Williams are arguably the greatest tennis players ever. They have inspired countless people and set the pace for those who wish to come after them. Their personas on and off the court are worthy of emulation. Their reign on the court is at an end, but their names would never escape the history books. It is our sincerest hope that they continue to excel as they move on to new chapters in their lives.
Link to one of their games.