Legends Depart: Roger Federer and Serena Williams leave the world of tennis

Legends Depart: Roger Federer and Serena Williams leave the world of tennis

Jessica Wang Neha Jonnalagadda '25 - 2 minute read
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Federer and Williams, two of the most iconic tennis champions, announced their retirement from the sport this September

The bittersweet month of Sep. rocked the world of millions of tennis fans after two of the tennis superstars, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, permanently bid farewell to professional tennis. Williams and Federer, both aged 41, announced their retirement after coming up short in their respective matches. The tennis world is now without their two most iconic players, leaving fans crestfallen yet appreciative; the two former player’s legacy and influence will be remembered all over the world.

Roger Federer, born in Basel, Switzerland, dominated in the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) tour after going pro in 2001. His career marked him as one of the best tennis players in sports history. After ranking No. 1 for 237 consecutive weeks, Federer finished the year with being named No. 1 five times. Federer has won 20 grand slam titles in his career, including eight Wimbledon titles and 369 Grand Slam wins. 

On September 22, 2022, Federer announced he would be retiring after his match at the Laver Cup in London the following day. He officially signed off from professional tennis on Friday, September 23, after playing in an epic doubles match with his rival, friend, and tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. 

Federer and Nadal played against Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, and were eventually defeated in three-sets, lasting for an extraordinary two hours and 12 minutes. In his post-match speech, Federer tells the crowd “You always want to play forever… [but] I know everybody has to leave the game.” In spite of the fact that his career ended recently, his legacy will live on forever. 

As guest performer Ellie Goulding performed the final farewell songs, Federer and Nadal grew solemn and teary eyed at the thought of Federer’s retirement. Regardless of Federer’s exit from pro-tennis, his impact as one of the greatest tennis players in history will never be forgotten.

As a child growing up in Compton, CA, Serena Jameka Williams began playing tennis at an early age and won her first grand slam when she was just 17 years old. Building up a fearsome reputation on the court, Williams currently holds 23 grand slam titles, the highest number won by any player, male or female. She was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks, including a record-breaking 186 consecutive weeks, and finished as the overall No. 1 five times. She has been known as the GOAT of women’s tennis throughout her whole career. 

Williams announced that she would be permanently retiring from professional tennis after the U.S. Open regardless of the outcome, leaving fans heavy-hearted at the thought of the iconic star leaving the spotlight. Serena Williams announced her retirement in the September issue of Vogue, where she had the chance to address her leave on her own terms. She seemed low-spirited yet hopeful when thinking about the prospect of retirement, saying “I hate that I have to be at this crossroads. I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not. I’m torn: I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.” 

Williams’ final match was against Australian Ajla Tomljanović at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the final score of  7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1, lasting for a full three hours. Williams was in tears as she thanked all who shaped her as a person and player, and excited the court for the last time, marking the end of her 25 year tennis career.

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