Swiss legend Roger Federer confirmed that he would be still involved in tennis after retirement and told tennis fans all over the world on Wednesday that "I won't be a ghost."

Federer, 41, announced last Thursday that he would retire from Grand Slams and the ATP Tour after the Laver Cup held from September 23 to 25 in London.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner will only play one doubles match this time in London, but he was sure that he would not leave the tennis world even though he hasn't had any specific plan yet.

"I just wanted to let the fans know I won't be a ghost. It's funny, I spoke about Bjorn Borg, he didn't return to Wimbledon for 25 years and that hurts every fan," Federer said of the 11-time major winner who quit tennis aged 26.

"But I don't think I'll be that guy. I feel tennis has given me too much. I have been around the game for too long. Have fallen in love with too many things," he added.

"You'll see me again. In what capacity, I don't know. Still have to think about it a little bit, give myself some time."

Federer made his professional debut in 1998 at the age of 16 before winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003.

As one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Federer said he was most proud of his longevity.

"I was famous for being quite erratic in the beginning of my career. And maybe I was famous for being not so consistent at all," said Federer. "And then to become one of the most consistent players ever is quite a shock to me as well. That has been a great accomplishment for me personally."

Federer claimed 103 career titles, second only to Jimmy Connors, and spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as world number one from 2004 to 2008.

"Everybody has to leave the game, it's been a great, great journey," he said.

Serbian Novak Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday at London's Tower Bridge, "His impact on the game has been tremendous, the way he was playing, his style, effortless, just perfect for an eye of a tennis coach, player or just a tennis fan."

"He has left a huge legacy that will live for a very long time," said Djokovic, who defeated Federer in four major finals including at Wimbledon in 2019, the Swiss's last Grand Slam final.

This week's Laver Cup will be the first time that Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic are playing together in an event since the 2019 Australian Open.

"We have team dinners and will chat about tennis, sports, life. We don't normally do that on tour, we have our own teams and families, so this is quite unique," Djokovic said.

"We all want to win and perform well but at the same time because of Roger's farewell and the opportunity to be alongside some of my greatest rivals in my career you also want to share some good times off the court too."

(With input from agencies)

Read more:

'A champion's champion': Nadal leads tributes to Federer as tennis world hails his greatness