Roger Federer Says He Knows It’s Right Decision to Retire

Switzerland's Roger Federer smiles during a media conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)
Switzerland's Roger Federer smiles during a media conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)
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Roger Federer Says He Knows It’s Right Decision to Retire

Switzerland's Roger Federer smiles during a media conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)
Switzerland's Roger Federer smiles during a media conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. (AP)

Roger Federer says he now is at peace with his choice to retire from professional tennis and plans to close his career with one doubles match at the Laver Cup — perhaps with longtime rival Rafael Nadal by his side.

“I'm happy, because I know it's the right decision” to walk away from the game, Federer said at a news conference Wednesday at the arena that will host the team competition founded by his management company.

Wearing a blue blazer with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a white polo shirt, Federer took questions for about a half-hour, occasionally smiling or chuckling at his own jokes.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who announced last week he'd be retiring, said it took him a bit to get used to the idea of stepping away from competition, but it was something he understood he needed to do after running into setbacks this July during his rehabilitation from what was his third surgery on his right knee in about 1 1/2 years.

“You're sad in the very moment when you realize, ‘OK, this is it,’” Federer said.

The last operation came shortly after his last singles match — a quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon in July 2021.

“You always want to play forever,” Federer said.

He said he will play doubles for Team Europe against Team World on Friday, Day 1 of the event, and then will give way to 2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini for singles play over the weekend.

Federer, who is 41, would not say definitively who his doubles partner would be for the final match of his career — he said that's up to team captain Bjorn Borg — but the expectation is that it will be Nadal, who holds the men's record of 22 major championships.

“It's been a great, great journey,” Federer said, “and for that, I'm very grateful.”



Soccer-Arsenal Sign Brentford Captain Norgaard to Strengthen Midfield

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
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Soccer-Arsenal Sign Brentford Captain Norgaard to Strengthen Midfield

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brentford v Fulham - GTech Community Stadium, London, Britain - May 18, 2025 Brentford's Christian Norgaard during a lap of appreciation after the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Arsenal have signed Christian Norgaard from Brentford, the two Premier League clubs said on Thursday as the North London club continues to strengthen the midfield following close-season departures.

Financial details were not disclosed but British media reports said Arsenal paid an initial fee of 10 million pounds ($13.60 million) to sign the 31-year-old Denmark international on a two-year deal with an option for a third year, Reuters reported.

"He is an international player with a wealth of experience of the Premier League. He has proven leadership skills and a strong character which will be invaluable to our squad," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said in a statement.

"He is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility. He also has physical presence and intelligence which will give us added depth and balance. Christian will bring a lot to the group both on and off the pitch."

Norgaard is Arsenal's third recruit in the close season after they signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea and defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal have effectively replaced Jorginho and Thomas Partey after the two midfielders' contracts ran out at the end of June.

Norgaard, who spent six years at Brentford and helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2021, was also the club's captain in the last two seasons.

An ever-reliable central midfielder in the Brentford squad, Norgaard has made 122 Premier League appearances in four seasons.

He will be a welcome addition to Arsenal as they compete on multiple fronts and said the opportunity to play in the Champions League was too good to resist.

"Now, I get to hear the anthem and be a part of a Champions League campaign. It's a childhood dream and something I didn't think would be possible. So it's something I'm really, really happy about," he said.

The Dane has made more interceptions than any other player since his Premier League debut in 2021.

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign on August 17 when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.