Roger Federer announces his retirement from the ATP Tour and grand slams
PARIS, France (AP) — Roger Federer is retiring from tennis, ending a career that began in 1993 and included six Grand Slam singles titles.
Federer, who turns 35 in August, says he is taking a break from the sport for his family. He told the Associated Press that he will concentrate on “new passions: music, art, photography, photography, music and photography.”
He said he hasn’t really known what else to do with himself.
Federer will play a few exhibition tournaments over the next month and then focus on his new interests. He said he will begin “a slow, quiet descent” into retirement.
“I don’t think you would be reading this if I hadn’t already made the decision, so it’s really just another step for me,” Federer said in an article published by The Telegraph.
“My passion for the game has never been greater. It hasn’t really been a question that needed to be answered in any way. It was a logical decision. This is now just another reason to enjoy life with my family and friends.”
Federer stunned his tennis fans after beating Nadal, 5-7, 7-6, 6-4, 6-1, at the French Open in late May. He has had a torrid season, with injury problems limiting his ability to compete in the majors, such as the U.S. Open and ATP Finals, which take place from Sept. 3 to 7.
He’s had 15 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes. If he’s in the middle of the pack at the French Open, he’ll lose to Nadal for only the fourth time in his career, the Open having been his first.
Federer says the key in his career has been to be a constant performer.
“I think being consistent is the big difference between me and other greats like Pete, Nadal, Rafa. No matter what they do, you can always watch it and say, �