Roger Federer, the racket-throwing Swiss youngster who grew into one of the world’s most polished sportsmen and was a member of a generation that dominated tennis for two decades, announced his retirement from competition on Thursday.

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Roger Federer’s retirement age

Roger Federer has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 41, ending a career in which he won 20 Grand Slam championships, spent five seasons at No. 1, and helped create a golden era of men’s tennis alongside rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Roger Federer’s retirement date

Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the ATP Tour and big slams after the Laver Cup in London next week.

Roger Federer’s retirement letter, speech and video

“I am 41 years old; I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” Federer said in an audio clip posted on social media. “Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamed, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”

Roger Federer confirmed his withdrawal from the Laver Cup in a letter on Thursday. A summary of the text of that letter, as read by the Swiss, is provided below.

Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it’s time to end my competitive career.

I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the Tour.

I want to thank and acknowledge my amazing team, Ivan, Dani, Roland, Seve, and Pierre, who have given me the best advice and have always been there for me.

Also Tony, for creatively managing my business for over 17 years.

And above all, I must offer a special thank you to my unbelievable fans.

I have laughed and cried, felt joy and pain, and most of all I have felt incredibly alive.

Thank you to everyone around the world who has helped make the dreams of a young Swiss ball kid come true. And to the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you.