Roger Federer says he is getting better every day with his focus being on returning to the Tour in the new year at the age of 40.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion hasn’t played a match since suffering a quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon. A few weeks after that match, the Swiss Maestro underwent another procedure on his knee following advice from his medical team. Federer also underwent two surgeries last year with the second one being conducted after the first failed to produce the desired results.
In a social media post, the former world No.1 admitted that he faces a lengthy absence from the Tour due to his latest surgery and the subsequent recovery time which will be required. However, it appears that everything is heading in the right direction with Federer maintaining a positive outlook on the future.
“I’m doing very well, the rehab is progressing step by step,” he told reporters in Zurich at a sponsorship meeting with Mercedes-Benz. “The worst is behind me, I’m looking forward to everything that comes my way.”
Due to his knee, Federer could only play five tournaments this year before being sidelined by injury again. Overall he achieved a total of nine wins against five losses. Besides Wimbledon, he also reached the fourth round of the French Open before withdrawing from the tournament and the quarter-finals in Doha.
“When you come back after an injury, every day is a better day. So it’s an exciting time, I went through it last year, so it’s not a mental problem at all,” he explains.
This week players are heading to Boston for the Laver Cup which is a team competition co-founded by Federer’s Team8 management company. The three-day event sees players from Europe take on others from the rest of the world in a concept similar to that of Golf’s Ryder Cup. In 2019 the event was granted ATP Tour status to make it part of their calendar. However, ranking points are not on offer for those participating.
Sidelined from the Laver Cup this year, Federer is targeting a place in the event next year where it will be held at the O2 Arena in London. The same venue which hosted the ATP Finals for more than a decade before it moved to Italy.
“It is one of my goals that I really get into it again to come back and hopefully be able to play in places like the o2 arena in London.” Federer stated.
In the meantime, Federer says he wants to return to “fitness training and the tennis court” as soon as possible. However, it is still not fully clear as to when he will be able to do so.
During his career, Federer has won 103 ATP titles and has earned more than $130M in prize money.
