While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic dominated the headlines around the Australian Open, the third of the “Big Three” has become quiet. More than half a year ago, Roger Federer played his last match on the ATP tour with the Wimbledon quarterfinals. His third knee operation followed in August, and since then the Swiss veteran has been struggling through rehabilitation – for the last attempt in his career.
As good as the tennis hand of the 20-time Grand Slam winner is, the ability of his 40-year-old body to regenerate is no longer what it used to be. “I still can’t walk,” Federer explained at a sponsor meeting. But his will is unbroken, he works every day in the gym for his comeback. “I’m still fully motivated.”
His goal is to return to the tour this year. “I hope to be able to use my knee again in two to three weeks. Then we’ll see how the body reacts so that we can hit the ball again in April or May.”
His doctors urge him to be patient and not rush things. “Of course I would wish that everything could go faster,” said Federer. An impatience that fans see as a positive sign that the fire is still burning in him.
A doubles with Rafael Nadal?
The previous two operations had also affected Federer’s right knee. The joint is probably the weak point that decides whether one of the greatest careers in tennis history has a happy ending. Federer could now hope for one of his fiercest rivals: Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard was in a similar situation with a stubborn foot injury in December. Just a month and a half later, the Mallorcan won his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne, putting him ahead of Federer and Djokovic (20) in the all-time list of the best. Nadal would like to keep this top position. “I would like to be the three of us with the most major titles, I would like that, but I’m not obsessed,” said the 35-year-old. Both Federer and Nadal are part of Team Europe at this year’s Laver Cup in September. “I suggested to Roger that we should play doubles together in London and he seems enthusiastic. Now we just have to convince our captain Björn (Borg; ed.),” said Nadal. The duo had already made common cause in the duel Europe against the world in 2017.
Thiem cancels further tournaments
After his cancellation for the Cordoba Open this week, Dominic Thiem must now also pass for the tournaments in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Santiago de Chile. “I will follow the advice of my doctors and start training again next week after a few days break,” said the 28-year-old, who has not played since June due to a right wrist injury. The Lower Austrian is leaving South America and preparing in Miami for the tournament in Indian Wells, which begins on March 10th. “It’s never easy to come back after seven months without a tournament,” says the number 37 in the world rankings.
Source: Nachrichten
