Serena: Federer was my hero too
TENNIS LEGENDS HANGING UP THEIR BOOTS AFTER GLITTERING CAREERS
SERENA Williams has welcomed legend Roger Federer to the “retirement club” after the 20- time grand slam champ announced he was hanging up his tennis balls.
Federer has been struggling with a knee problem for the last three years and, aged 41, has accepted defeat in his bid for one last hurrah.
He will play in next week’s Laver Cup in London, the Ryder Cupstyle competition that was his brainchild, but will then pack in.
Williams, who less than a fortnight ago bid her own farewell to the sport at the US Open, says she is among the “millions and millions” of people Federer had inspired throughout his 24year career.
She said: “I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest – perfectly done, just like your career.
“I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions and millions of people – including me – and we will never forget.
“I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you.”
Federer has not played a competitive match since losing to Hubert Hurkacz in last year’s Wimbledon quarter- finals.
He announced he needed knee surgery, having undergone two operations in 2020 that kept him out for more than a year.
The Swiss had targeted a full return following the last operation but it became increasingly clear that his rehabilitation was not going as well as he hoped.
Federer’s grand slam record has now been surpassed by both his great rival Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic but many, especially the fans he brought to the sport, consider him the best of all time.
Federer said: “This is a bittersweet decision, because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But, at the same time, there is so much to celebrate.
“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. 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.”
A prodigious junior, the Swiss won his first grandslam title at Wimbledon in 2003 and his last at the Australian Open four years ago in an unexpected threeslam swansong.
His remaining records include most consecutive weeks at world number one with 237 and a run of 23 grand slam semi- finals in a row as well as his eight Wimbledon titles.
He thanked his family for their support, especially wife Mirka, a near- constant presence by his side during his career, and their four children.
He continued: “I was lucky enough to play so many epic matches that I will never forget.
“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 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.”
WEST Ham boss David Moyes has backed England forward Jarrod Bowen to rediscover top form in time for the World Cup.
Bowen is yet to hit the heights of last season but managed to retain his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for upcoming Nations League clashes with Italy and Germany, alongside Hammers captain Declan Rice.
The 25- year- old starred with 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions in the 2021- 22 campaign as Moyes’ men reached the Europa League semi- finals and finished seventh.
Yet he is still awaiting his first
Premier League goal since making his international debut in June.
“I’m just beginning to see Jarrod getting back to it, there are little bits coming back and signs of it,” said Moyes ahead of Sunday’s visit to Everton.
“At the start of last season after the Euros, I thought Declan Rice was fantastic, whereas a lot of the
England players didn’t find their levels quite as much, so it can happen.
“The international football, the little rest time you get during the summer can play a part in that.
“But we’re just beginning to see good signs from Jarrod and hopefully I’m right.”
Bowen, who ended the summer with four England caps, came on as a second- half substitute in West Ham’s 3- 2 Europa Conference League victory over Danish side Silkeborg on Thursday evening.
While the former Hereford and Hull player has scored twice in that competition this term, his top- flight struggles are reflected by his club’s slow start.
The Hammers, who have won only one of six league fixtures, played 56 games last season and face another gruelling campaign due to their Europe commitments.
Signings
Manager Moyes is eager to protect his players from burnout but believes the packed scheduled, which is intensified by international football, could improve star midfielder Rice.
“It’s really important that we try and use the players the best we can,” said the Scot, who spent around £ 160million on eight summer signings.
“The boys who were on international duty in the summer had a really late return, Declan especially – Declan had more time off to recover.
“I think most of our players played roughly 60 games last year, so our players have had a real busy time.
“But also what that does it builds a bit of resilience as far as playing goes as well, they get used to the regular games.
“From that point of view, we hope it will improve Declan but, on the other side of it, we’re always trying to really look after him as well.”