LONDON—Roger Federer is known for his elegant style of play, for his longevity, for his 20 Grand Slam titles—and for occasional tears in his most emotional post-match moments, whether after victory or defeat.
There was none of that sort of sadness Wednesday, just smiles and some chuckles at his own jokes, as Federer appeared at a news conference to discuss his retirement from professional tennis at age 41 after a series of knee operations.
He will close his career with a doubles match at the Laver Cup on Friday—perhaps alongside longtime rival Rafael Nadal.
Federer said he is now at peace with the decision to walk away, which comes a few weeks after Serena Williams played what is expected to be her last match at the U.S. Open, and he wants this farewell to be a celebration….