Just several weeks after Serena Williams played her last tennis match to move away from the sport, Roger Federer announced he is also retiring.Federer, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, said, ” Many of you know the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries.”

He continued: “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’m 41-years-old. I’ve played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. It has treated me more generously than I’ve ever dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”

Federer announced his last games will be played in London next week at the Laver Cup tennis tournament. It’s an ATP match between Team Europe and Team World that takes place from Sept. 23-25. Federer will be playing on Team Europe alongside Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

He began his career playing juniors in 1996 and won both the singles and doubles titles at Wimbledon in 1998. He played his first ATP match that year.

He won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 at Wimbledon, and that began his dominance in the world of men’s tennis. Hailed the Greatest of All Time, Federer has won over 103 ATP single titles, with grass being his stronger surface. He won 65 straight wins on grass from 2003-2008.

In his video, Federer didn’t rule out playing the sport again, “I will play more tennis in the future, but just not in Grand Slams or on the tour.” He added, “This is a consider my decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me.” He went on to say, “I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined for much longer than I ever thought possible.”

Federer’s Grand Slam record has now been surpassed by both his great rival Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but many people, especially the legions of fans he brought to the sport, will still consider him the greatest of all time

Federer’s retirement, coming less than a fortnight after Serena Williams was given an emotional send-off at the US Open, is another indication that this momentous era in tennis is drawing to a close.

“I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget,” said Federer.

“We battled fairly, with passion and intensity, and I always tried my best to respect the history of the game. I feel extremely grateful. We pushed each other, and together we took tennis to new levels.

“Above all, I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans. You will never know how much strength and belief you have given me.

“The inspiring feeling of walking into full stadiums and arenas has been one of the huge thrills in my life. Without you, those successes would have felt lonely, rather than filled with joy and energy.

“The last 24 years on tour have been an incredible adventure. While it sometimes feels like it went by in 24 hours, it has also been so deep and magical that it seems as if I’ve already lived a full lifetime.”

Concluding his letter, Federer wrote: “When my love of tennis started, I was a ball kid in my hometown of Basel. I used to watch the players with a sense of wonder.

“They were like giants to me and I began to dream. My dreams led me to work harder and I started to believe in myself. Some success brought me confidence and I was on my way to the most amazing journey that has led to this day.

“So, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart, to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. Finally, to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.”

Wimbledon tweeted: “Roger, Where do we begin? It’s been a privilege to witness your journey and see you become a champion in every sense of the word. We will so miss the sight of you gracing our courts, but all we can say for now is thank you, for the memories and joy you have given to so many.”

Judy Murray tweeted: “The end of a magnificent era……”

Juan Martin del Potro tweeted: “I LOVE YOU, Roger. Thank you for everything you’ve done in tennis and with myself. Tennis world will never be the same without you.”