Just over an hour after his opening win at the Qatar Open Roger Federer told reporters ‘it feels like I have been away longer’ but it isn’t due to either his previous injury or the pandemic.
The 39-year-old Swiss required more than two hours to see off Dan Evans in what was his first competitive match since January 2020. Impressively, he produced 13 aces compared to no double faults, as well as hitting multiple winners from both his forehand and backhand side. Earning him his first victory on the Tour in over 400 days.
Those cheering the Swiss Maestro on were paying close attention to how his body would hold up after undergoing two surgical procedures on his right knee last year. Federer also was intrigued to see how he would fair but there was another challenge for him in the match – remembering some of the rules.
“I forgot to take the towel, I forgot to bring the towel and then the shot clock is still not something that is embedded in my system,” Federer said afterwards.
“I’ve played too long without the shot clock. Then I also forgot the warm-up was four minutes because I was hitting with Dan and then next thing I know after 30 seconds he was already at the net volleying. I was like ‘why is he hurrying so much’ and then I looked at the clock.”
Some of these rules were already in existence prior to Federer’s injury-related absence but some were not. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has been various changes in order to help minimise social contact. One of them includes not allowing ball kids to pass carry player’s towels. Something many have called to be stopped prior to the pandemic.
“There were a lot of times where I had to look at the scoreboard again to make sure it’s a change of ends time or not because there’s a lot going through my mind at the moment,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion explained about his thought processes during matches.
“I would ask for the towel and then realise they could not bring it to me because the rules are different. It feels like I have been away longer than I already have been.”
Ironically the biggest positive for Federer might not be his win over Evans but the fact he managed to last on court for a significant period of time without faltering or showing any physical problems. He had been eager not to rush his return to the Tour with him opting to skip the Australian Open because ‘he wouldn’t be ready in time.’ The cautious approach is a trend that will continue over the coming weeks. Instead of playing in the first Masters 1000 event in Miami, he will conduct a training block instead prior to the clay season.
“If you cannot play for two-and-half hours you cannot come back. It’s that simple. I think a lot of questions are being asked and you have to test yourself in practice. The other thing is that nobody is going to do the running for you, so you have to do it yourself. I think in tennis that gets a little underestimated,” Federer explained.
“Overall, I’m really happy. There are a lot of things I can still improve on but overall I’m incredibly happy. I said before the tournament if I lose 6-2, 6-2, I am equally happy than sitting here (in the press room) at 7-5 in the third.”
As for his recovery following his latest match, Federer indicated the current status of his health by saying he ‘doesn’t feel’ the need to take painkillers. Although he hasn’t done so for months anyway. Instead, he will conduct his ‘old-school’ recovery process ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final clash with Nikoloz Basilashvili in Doha.
“You’re talking to an old-school guy,” he said. “I have done one ice bath (in his life) and I didn’t like it. So I’m not going to do that again.
“I don’t just take painkillers for fun. I only take them when I really have to. Don’t feel like that’s the case tonight. I haven’t taken painkillers probably in, whatever, nine months, I guess, ever since the surgery was over. So from that standpoint, I’m really healthy.
“So just have to grab some food. I’m going to stretch or take a shower first because we’re not allowed to shower on-site, and then I’m going to stretch and take a massage and sleep in and then warm up properly tomorrow. Very simple.”
SEE ALSO – ‘Certain Parts Were Not Quite There’ – Dan Evans Reacts To Playing Federer
