The most decorated Wimbledon singles champion in the history of men’s tennis has admitted that he may not be able to play at the Championships next year due to his ongoing recovery from injury.
Roger Federer has told newspaper Tages-Anzeiger that he would be ‘extremely surprised’ if he will be able to play at the Grass Court major which will get underway next June. The 40-year-old Swiss Maestro hasn’t played a competitive match since this year’s Wimbledon after opting to undergo another surgery on his right knee following a medical consultation. It is the third procedure he has undergone within the past two years after having two minor surgeries during the first half of 2020. Federer also underwent a separate knee surgery back in 2016.
“I would be incredibly surprised if I were to play again at Wimbledon (2022). Australia is not an option at all. But that’s no surprise for me. Even before the operation, we knew that a break of many months would be necessary afterwards,” said Federer who has won Wimbledon eight times.
“I wanted to wait for the first major check-up before making a public statement, and the check-up was very encouraging. I have started a long rehabilitation process in which I put all my heart and soul. But the situation is not the same as in 2016. I have to be patient.”
Federer’s doubts about playing in one of his favourite tournaments signals that it is likely that he will not be returning to the Tour until summer next year if all goes well. The former world No.1 has publicly revelled for the first time as to what doctors have done to his knee. During his latest operation, they ‘stiched’ his his right inner meniscus (cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and thighbone). They also conducted some treatment of the cartilage too.
According to his recovery timetable, Federer is hopeful that he will be able to start jogging again in January before resuming ‘tennis-like training’ around March/April time. Although this all depends on how quickly his knee heals over the coming weeks.
“I had this operation done so that I could ski with my children or play football or tennis in the future. My primary motivation was to get back in shape for my normal life. But I wanted to approach this rehabilitation with the mentality and body of a top athlete,” he stated.
Regarded as one of the greats of the game, Federer has won 103 ATP titles which is the second highest in the Open Era after Jimmy Connors. He has spent a total of 310 weeks as world No.1 and has earned more than $130M in prize money. According to Sports industry website Sportico, he is the first tennis player in history to have made more than $1Bn during his career (including endorsements).
Despite the uncertainty over when he will return to the Tour, Federer has insisted that he is not giving up. Stating that he hopes to retire from tennis on his own terms.
“I have experienced similar challenges many times in my career. Sometimes without the public being aware of it. And even though I know that the end is near, I want to try to play some big matches again. It won’t be easy, but I will try,” he said.
“I think that every athlete should decide for himself. There is no right time to retire. There is only the time that suits each individual athlete. It is a very personal decision.”
Even if he does return to the Tour, many will wonder if Federer will be able to return to the level of tennis he is used to producing. This season he was only able to play 13 matches, winning nine of those.
“My world will not collapse if I never play in another Grand Slam final. But it is my ultimate dream to return once again. And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles. I have already experienced them.” Federer concluded.
Note: quotes translated by Simon Graf, sports editor for Tages-Anzeiger
