It was a heartbreak of epic proportions for the entire sporting world when Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis in September 2022. A stellar career spanning 24 years ended in majestic fashion at the Laver Cup last year. A tearful Roger Federer bid adieu to the sport after playing his last-ever match alongside his greatest rival, Rafael Nadal. Fans watching worldwide couldn’t help but reach out for their tissues. After all, they were watching a tennis legend bow out from the sport in spectacular fashion.

Ivan Ljubicic, who was part of the 2016 Swiss maestro’s coaching team, revealed the reason behind Federer’s retirement. He spoke that despite his age, Federer may not have hung up his rackets if not for his ailing body. Here is what he had to say.

Ljubucic offers a sneak peek into Federer’s retirement decision

Twenty-time grand slam champion Roger Federer was the epitome of excellence on the tennis court. He’s perhaps the biggest ambassador the sport has ever seen. After struggling with his form for many years, he made an iconic comeback by winning the 2017 Australian Open defeating archrival Rafael Nadal in the finals.

Ivan Ljubicic was Federer’s coach and continued to serve him until his retirement last year. In a recent interview with Tennis Majors, Ljubicic revealed that the Swiss decided to retire because of persisting issues with his body; not because there were doubts regarding his ability on the court.

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He says, “Well, I think that was the only way for him to stop, honestly. I don’t think there was any other way. His ability would not go down. His fitness would maybe, with time, he would be slightly slower, slightly this, slightly that, but his genius would still keep him in the top, whatever, five. I honestly think that the only way for him to stop was the body was not able to carry on. Looking back, because he loves it so much, there was no way for him to make a decision to stop playing because, I don’t know,: ‘I don’t want to play anymore’. That would never happen.”

Federer called it quits on his playing days after a series of knee issues hampered his comeback to the tour.

Persistent issues with his knee forced the 41-year-old to retire much to the heartbreak of his fans. But how serious was the issue with his knee?

Federer’s knee injury dates back to 2016

The record 8-time Wimbledon champion first injured his knee in 2016, which forced him to undergo surgery. His meniscus had to be trimmed and a portion of his knee tissues were removed. The Swiss legend, however, made a successful comeback to the tour and got back to winning ways in 2017. But unfortunately, the damage was enough to put a lot of pressure on his tibia, which led to further pain and more surgeries. He underwent 3 surgeries on his left knee within 18 months, which ultimately resulted in his retirement in September 2022.

‘There Were Scars.’ – Roger Federer’s Coach Ivan Ljubicic Details How Roger Federer Defeated Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open 2017 Despite a Negative History

Roger Federer’s triumphant comeback in 2017, despite being riddled with knee issues, is a testament to his unwavering drive and passion for the game. Ljubicic’s words brilliantly depict Federer’s eternal love affair with tennis and go on to show that the Swiss maestro would have probably carried on playing the game if not for his knee!

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