Roger Federer: Comeback already at the Australian Open? Darren Cahill rows back
Can Roger Federer really be expected again at the Australian Open in 2022? A statement from Darren Cahill last week sounded almost like this - now the expert rowed back.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Nov 14, 2021, 04:49 pm
Then the tennis world took notice: Roger Federer at the Australian Open 2022? It would be a sensation after Federer's third knee operation in late summer. Darren Cahill, longtime coach of Andre Agassi and Simona Halep, however, raised hopes : "Apparently Roger will play too, I know he's working hard on himself at the moment and we're pretty sure he'll come and play the Australian Open will, “ said Cahill in the Australian Sportsday .
A day later, however, Cahill corrected himself via Twitter. He had consulted with his contact at Tennis Australia and they apparently talked a little past each other. He should actually have said that Federer works hard and does everything to play the Australian Open.
He was sorry, said Cahill, if he was hasty. "Sorry Fed fans. But like everyone else, I hope he makes it to the Australian Open."
Federer at the Australian Open? It would be a sensation
An appearance by Federer at the Australian Open would indeed be a sensation. Federer had last played at Wimbledon, his only fifth tournament in 2021, after his two knee operations in 2020.
Shortly afterwards, Federer announced that he would have to undergo another operation. At the Laver Cup at the end of September, Federer walked in on crutches and said he would take all the time in the world this time. First run properly, then run properly, then sidesteps and exercises for agility, according to Federer, then it might go back to the tennis court. But all of that would cost him a few months. "Then at some point in the next year we'll see how things are."
That this point can actually be reached in January, especially in a Grand Slam tournament with three winning sets? It's unlikely - as much as the tennis world would look forward to a quick comeback for the 20-time major champion.