It was the comeback that tennis had been waiting eagerly for: When Roger Federer celebrated his return to the international stage on March 10, 2021 as part of the ATP 250 tournament in Doha after a break of more than a year with injuries, the world seemed a bit again Regain normalcy. Well, the Swiss didn't do the honors for too long, but if Federer has to say, the guest appearance in Qatar was just a little foretaste of the rest of the season.

"I want to win big tournaments and beat the best players in the world. I didn't come back to play second rounds in the middle of nowhere. I think I know what to do to get there. On the one hand, it's a dream on the other hand, a logic. It is a logical dream, "said the 20-time Grand Slam winner to Numéro Homme .

Season goals: Wimbledon and Olympia

Federer had previously stated that he wanted to be 100 percent at the start of the lawn season. The 39-year-old's declared goals for the season this year are Wimbledon and Olympia, but before that the world number six will probably still be on the sand. It is not yet known exactly where the Swiss will play his next tournament appearance.

The only thing that is clear at the moment is that Federer is meticulously preparing for the coming months. "I work very hard, although I don't talk about it much. I hope people understand how hard I work - otherwise I wouldn't have made it that far," said the father of four.

Wimbledon 2019 no longer in the back of my mind

The ability to digest setbacks quickly, said Federer, also helped him: "I have learned the most from my defeats. The most important thing is not to give them too much emotional significance. (...) Some think day and night about mistakes they have made. I analyze very quickly. It helps me keep going. "

Even the final bankruptcy at Wimbledon two years ago, when he missed two match points against Novak Djokovic on his own serve, Federer quickly digested. "Fans talked to me about this defeat on the Internet for weeks. It still happens to me today. I wonder what they're thinking about. But I understand it," said the Swiss.

At best, the long-time world number one would like to catch up on the missed 21st Grand Slam title this year. Because it is certain that Federer will not have too many opportunities for further major triumphs at the age of 39. Therefore, he will "make one last attempt to see what is still in the tank," said Federer.