The longtime coach of 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has said the Swiss star is ‘doing well’ with his rehabilitation going to plan so far.
Severin Luthi shed some light on Federer’s current health during a TV interview with SRF on Saturday. The 38-year-old hasn’t played a competitive match since his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open back in January. Shortly after Federer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, which sidelined him from action. However, the problems continued for Federer and he had to undergo a second knee procedure in June which resulted in him pulling the plug on his 2020 season.
Despite the setbacks, Luthi has insisted that the former world No.1 is finally back on track and will be returning back to training soon. Luthi has worked alongside Federer for more than a decade and also currently serves as the captain of the Swiss Davis Cup term.
“Roger is doing well. Rehabilitation has gone according to plan after the 2nd surgery. No big intensity until now, he will start a physical fitness block with Pierre Paganini shortly,” he told SRF.
Federer, who will turn 39 in August, has vowed to return to the Tour in 2021 despite his age. He is currently the second oldest player in the top 200 after world No.124 Croatia Ivo Karlovic who is 41. Despite approaching the finish line in his career, Luthi insists that age isn’t an issue when it comes to training.
“First priority is that Roger gets 100% healthy again,’ he stated.
“The nice thing is that with Roger you still get the feeling you‘re on court with a junior and not with a player who‘s rather at the end of his career, those are perfect conditions we’re focused on next season.”
So far in his career, the Swiss maestro has won 103 ATP titles and spent a record 310 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings.
Work with ON
Federer has kept himself out of the spotlight in recent weeks, but has been working behind the scenes with running brand ON. A company which he bought a stake last November after investing an ‘undisclosed sum.’ On July 6th he is set to feature in a livestream with the company to make what he describes as a ‘big announcement’ without elaborating further. The date of the announcement coincidentally coincides with the 17th anniversary of his first Wimbledon win.
“July 6 there is going to be the big launch, the big announcement, something we’ve been working on for quite some time now,” Federer told sportswear blog Highsnobiety. “[Sneakerheads that don’t know On so well] are going to get to know the company in a new way. I think it’s going to be very exciting.”
For me, having an impact with a company like On is really, really exciting. To be there in the workshop room, in the meetings, and hearing about whatever shoe it is, and maybe giving my input… And then, next thing you know, my input is taken incredibly serious and it grows into something quite beautiful. That is very exciting.” He added.
The livestream featuring Federer will be broadcasted on a website called theroger.com.
