Photos: Roger Federer announces retirement from tennis after historic career

Roger Federer, regarded by many as the most outstanding male player to wield a tennis racket and who took the sport to new levels during a career spanning more than two decades, has announced he will retire after next week's Laver Cup in London. Above, file photo taken on June 7, 2019, Switzerland's Roger Federer acknowledges the audience after losing against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles semi-final match on day 13 of The Roland Garros 2019 French Open tennis tournament in Paris.

In this file photo taken on October 24, 2017, Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after winning against Frances Tiafoe of the US at the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 tennis tournament in Basel. The 41-year-old, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles and re-defined a sport with his artistry and grace, broke the news tennis fans worldwide have feared in a lengthy statement on Thursday.

This file combination of pictures created shows Switzerland's Roger Federer holds his record 20 tennis Grand Slam tournaments winner's trophies from bottom right to top left: Wimbledon 2003, Australian Open 2004, Wimbledon 2004, US Open 2004, Wimbledon 2005, US Open 2005, Australian Open 2006, Wimbledon 2006, US Open 2006, Australian Open 2007, Wimbledon 2007, US Open 2007, US Open 2008, French Open 2009, Wimbledon 2009, Australian Open 2010, Wimbledon 2012, Australian Open 2017, Wimbledon 2017, and Australian Open 2018.

Roger Federer as he walks on court before his second round match against Slovakia's Lucas Lacko in 2018.

Roger Federer celebrates winning his Men's singles fourth-round match in the Australian Open against Japan's Kei Nishikori on January 22, 2017, in Melbourne.

Roger Federer celebrates after victory against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics during their men's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2020.

In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open in 2005, US tennis legend Andre Agassi and Roger Federer of Switzerland, have a friendly 'hit' on the world's most unique tennis court, the Helipad of the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel in Dubai. Standing 321 metres high on a man made island, the majestic Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable hotel in the world. The hotel's helipad, which is situated 211 metres high covers a surface area of 415 square metres.

Roger Federer (SUI) waving farewell to the Centre Court fans after losing to Hubert Hurkacz (POL) in the quarter finals at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Jul 7, 2021 in London.

Roger Federer serves to Canada's Milos Raonic during their men's semi-final match on the twelfth day of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London.

Roger Federer celebrates his victory against Spain's Rafael Nadal during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne in 2017.

Roger Federer hits a return against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics during their men's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2020.

Australian Open - Men's singles final - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 28, 2018. Winner Roger Federer of Switzerland cries while holding the trophy.

Roger Federer shakes hands and embraces Spain's Rafael Nadal after Federer won their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London.

In this file photo taken on January 1, 2019 Serena Williams of the US (L) and Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) take a selfie following their mixed doubles match on day four of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth.

Roger Federer holds the winner's trophy after beating Croatia's Marin Cilic in their men's singles final match on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne in 2019.

Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland celebrate after winning Olympic gold in the men's double's tennis match against Sweden's Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson, at the Olympic Green Tennis Centre in Beijing on August 15, 2008.