Serena Williams and Roger Federer, two top-ranked tennis players, have retired from their professional tennis careers within months of each other. Both athletes have been ranked No. 1 internationally for substantial lengths of time during their careers and have set the standard for future tennis stars. Despite their retirements, Williams and Federer will continue to inspire people worldwide.

Serena Williams

On Friday, Sep. 2,  the tennis world as we know it, changed forever. The long-awaited moment finally arrived when Williams played the final tennis match of her professional career. This match was played in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open against Ajla Tomljanović, who emerged victorious after playing a total of three hard-fought sets against Williams.

Since the young age of 17, Williams has dazzled the world with her tennis skills. Williams won her first Grand Slam singles title in the 1999 U.S. Open. Since then, Williams has earned a total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles. 

“Williams has won 73 singles titles, 23 in doubles, two in mixed doubles, and has played on four Olympic teams, winning four gold medals,” according to the New York Times.

Beyond this, Williams is well-known for her fashion both on and off the tennis court. Williams has her own clothing line, S by Serena, and her own jewelry line, Serena Williams Jewelry, to spread her fashion sense to others. Williams currently has 16 partners including Nike, Wilson, Gucci, and Gatorade, which are all major brands.

Williams’ impact on the tennis world extends further than in competition as she has become an inspiration for all athletes. Williams is also a role model for female athletes in addition to young Black women. As a result of her decorated career, the world now views women in sports in an entirely different way. 

Roger Federer

On Sept. 15, 2022, fans received the shocking news that Federer would be playing in his last tournament in the Laver Cup. On Sept. 23, 2022, Federer played against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe with his doubles partner and rival Rafael Nadal. Despite a loss to the Americans Sock and Tiafoe in an 11-9 tiebreaker, Federer was still overjoyed. 

“I said to the guys I’m not sad, I’m happy. It feels like a celebration to me. It’s exactly what I had hoped for,” Federer said to ESPN.

At the age of 14, the Swiss teen moved to a training facility to better his skills. At 21, Federer won his first major singles title at the 2003 Wimbledon tournament.

“Federer leaves the game with one of the greatest competitive records in its history: 103 tour singles titles, 20 Grand Slam singles titles, 310 weeks ranked No. 1 and a record six victories in season-ending tour finals,” according to the New York Times. 

Federer is also known for his unmatched number of sponsors. He has partnered with a total of 14 brands such as Uniqlo, Rolex, Wilson Sporting Goods, Mercedes-Benz and more.

Other than his wins and sponsors, Federer is known to have changed the world through his organization, the Roger Federer Foundation. This organization has worked for 18 years to help communities give education to less fortunate children. Federer has shown and will continue to show the tennis community his large positive impact on the world.

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Although Williams and Federer, both age 41, were considered to be at a suitable age for retirement as athletes, the world did not expect the news of their retirements. Fans may not see these popular stars on the court anymore, but their legacies will continue to influence the tennis world and beyond.