FILE–Switzerland’s Roger Federer in motion throughout his quarter remaining match towards Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. Pool through REUTERS/David Grey
Roger Federer will face a “actuality test” when he returns to the Tour after a prolonged harm break, seven-time main champion Mats Wilander mentioned.
Federer, 40, advised Swiss media final week that he was unlikely to return to competitors till mid-2022 as he appears to get again to full health after a number of knee surgical procedures and can be “extraordinarily shocked” if he was capable of play at Wimbledon.
Federer, who’s tied with Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic on 20 Grand Slam singles titles, mentioned he would have the ability to resume working in January and return to on-court coaching in March or April.
“I feel it’s potential for him to return again,” Wilander advised Eurosport. “I feel if he retains saying it himself, he clearly has his thoughts set on coming again.
“I feel the larger drawback to me is that these guys are getting actually, actually good. (Alexander) Zverev and (Daniil) Medvedev are the blokes pushing behind, they’re enjoying enormous video games of tennis.
Corridor of Famer Mats Wilander (L) is launched subsequent to fellow Corridor of Famer Monica Seles throughout induction ceremonies the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S., July 20, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
“And naturally, Federer has his serve however how huge a weapon is a Roger Federer serve in comparison with let’s say a Zverev or Medvedev serve? I feel that’s going to be the truth test.”
Federer had two knee operations in 2020 that stored him out of the Tour for greater than a yr and returned to motion in March however managed to play solely 13 matches this yr.
One other harm at Wimbledon compelled Federer, who gained his final main on the 2018 Australian Open, to skip the U.S. Open as he went underneath the knife once more.
“I don’t assume that Roger Federer will play too many matches on Tour,” Wilander mentioned.
“He realizes that he does nonetheless have an opportunity to win — possibly not a Grand Slam, possibly not a remaining — however three or 4 matches. I feel it’s value it for him to return again in his personal thoughts.
“I don’t assume he’ll know till he steps on court docket for no less than a two- or three-set match towards the likes of Zverev and Medvedev.”
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