Swiss tennis star Roger Federer today announced hi...

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer today announced his days on the court come to an end next week when he takes part in the Laver Cup tournament in London.

Zim Now Writer

Tennis Great Roger Federer Calls It a Day

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer today announced his days on the court come to an end next week when he takes part in the Laver Cup tournament in London.

In an emotional farewell message posted on his social media handles, Federer said:

"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries.

“I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.

"I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1 500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career."

He becomes the second high profile tennis player to make the decision following an earlier announcement by Serena Williams that she will wrap up her playing career with the US Open.

Federer - who turned pro in 1998 and has bagged 20 grand slams (which include the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open and 103 ATP single titles; among them the Davis and Hopman Cups), has good cushion to rest on after ending his career.

According to Forbes Magazine, his estimated net worth is US$500 million as of August this year.

Claiming the Word Number 1 spot for the first time in 2004, Federer at one time was for 310 consecutive weeks ranked the best tennis player by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). He is also a recipient of a gold medal from the 2012 Olympic Games.