Roger Federer - Comeback planned, schedule open, Melbourne not an option
Roger Federer doesn't really believe in Wimbledon after his extensive knee surgery. But he's not yet giving up his athletic hopes.
by SID
last edit: Nov 17, 2021, 03:39 pm
Roger Federer is still dreaming. With 40 years of age, 20 Grand Slam titles and a fortune in the high three-digit million range, the "Maestro" has achieved a lot more than one can hope for from a career as a professional tennis player. Despite the serious setbacks, despite the long rehab that lies ahead of the Wimbledon record champion, it should not have been that yet.
"My world will not collapse if I never contest a Grand Slam final again," said the superstar in an interview with Tagesspiegel in Swiss dialect. But it is his "ultimate dream" to return again: "Sports history sometimes writes such miracles. I am realistic: It would be a great miracle. But in sport there are miracles."
Start at Wimbledon would be a surprise
Currently, however, Federer is far from that, much further than the large fan base of the former number one in the world had hoped. In order to dispel speculation, he gave an insight into his situation and plans.
Federer's favorite tournament in Wimbledon, which the elegant athlete has already won eight times as a record winner, will probably come too early next summer. "The truth is, I would be incredibly surprised if I played at Wimbledon again," said Federer. The Australian Open in January are excluded for him.
Federer is currently recovering from his third right knee surgery since 2020. It was an operation that he describes as more important than the previous ones. Among other things, the meniscus was sewn. "And the doctors took the opportunity to treat my cartilage as well," explained the native of Basel: "The combination of these two interventions requires patience and caution."
Federer still has sporting ambitions
His primary motivation for going under the knife again, he says, was to get himself back in shape for a normal life. "As far as my sporting ambitions are concerned, they could be summed up as follows: I would like to see again what I can achieve as a professional tennis player," said the major record winner, who in this statistic includes Rafael Nadal (Spain) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) one step. Djokovic in particular, number one in the world, could break away from the competition with another triumph in Melbourne in the spring.
Federer would like to get involved again, especially to say goodbye on the court to enjoy the ovations of the audience again. But the timing seems completely open. "Yes, and if you take it seriously, it doesn't make much difference whether I return in 2022 or not until 2023, at the age of 40 or 41. It doesn't matter," he said.
Until then, Federer will work on his comeback. And dream of a big match on center court.