Roger Federer. File Photo: Twitter/@AustralianOpen
Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has finally opened up on his battle with injuries for the last one year. The 39-year-old has been out of action since the semi-final defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic in Australian Open 2020. The 20-time Grand Slam winner will finally return to tennis court during the Qatar Open this week.
Roger Federer eyeing his 9th Wimbledon title
The 39-year-old, who underwent two knee surgeries last year, has revealed that he didn't even consider retirement as an option during his phase of rehab. He said, “I just feel like the story is not over yet. I would like to get that high of playing against the best players, playing at the biggest tournaments, winning them, hopefully, and being in the conversation.”
Federer admitted that the rehab journey has been tough but he is hopeful to be 100 percent fit by Wimbledon this year. The tennis ace will be eyeing his 9th title at the London event, scheduled to begin on June 28, 2021.
The World No. 5 returns to court in Doha
Roger Federer has started his practice session in Doha as he prepares for his first competitive match since January 30, 2020. He received a bye in the first round of the tournament and will be seen in action on either Tuesday or Wednesday. He would be up against the winner of match between Dan Evans or Jeremy Chardy.
Commenting on his return, Federer said, “I am very happy to be back playing a tournament again. It has been a long time. I never thought it was going to take this long. I came here to Qatar in 2003 for the very first time and I always enjoyed playing here. It is exciting to be back, seeing all the players again. I am looking forward to the start.”
The Swiss legend praises Djokovic and Nadal
After Rafael Nadal equaled Federer’s record 20th Grand Slam after winning French Open last year, Novak Djokovic overtook Roger's record of spending most weeks as world number one. The Serbian on Monday set a new landmark as he completed 311 weeks at the summit of the rankings.
Reflecting on the success of his compatriots, the 39-year-old termed the careers of Novak and Rafa as extraordinary. However, Federer was not worried about the records as his concern is more on his own game and his own health over the record. He said, "I am in a different situation but sure, you like to keep every record. But all the records are there to be broken. The guys are unreal, we all know that. I hope they keep on going. I hope they can do everything they possibly want and that they look back with no regrets."
The 20-time Grand Slam winner concluded that all they (Roger, Novak, Nadal) want is to leave the game with no regrets so that they can sleep well at night.