VALBELLA – Former world number one Roger Federer’s 2021 was far from expectations with the tennis ace racking up nine wins and four losses after having played just 13 official matches this season.
His last appearance dates back to Wimbledon, where he succumbed sharply to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals.
The Swiss legend was forced to undergo surgery for the third time in the last year and a half after a relapse in his right knee.
Although there is no precise plan for his return, the 40-year-old athlete from Basel has expressed his desire to treat himself to one last ride of the carousel, according to a report by Tennis World USA.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion – whose presence at the Australian Open 2022 seems unlikely − had dropped out of the Top ten for the first time since 2017.
The feeling is that the tennis great will try to get in shape for Wimbledon − the tournament he has the most chance to finish.
During a recent interview with Ringier, Roger spoke extensively about his wife Mirka, who he met at the Sydney Olympics and then joined forces at the 2002 Hopman Cup.
Mirka, who achieved a best ranking of 76, was forced to retire at 24 due to injuries.
“She had this injury on her foot,” Roger Federer said about his wife Mirka.
“I told her at the time: ‘Stop it! Why the stress?’. Quite cool. As if this were the easiest decision in the world (laughs).
“Today I think: Am I actually spinning? I myself still play tournaments at 40 and find it difficult to stop.”
According to Roger, Mirka once called him up during a match after forgetting that he was in action.
“It has even happened that Mirka − and she may not be happy that I am telling you this now − called me during a match,” Roger said.
"She had completely forgotten that I was playing (laughs). That’s exactly what I like about her, that’s Mirka’s charm: When she’s in tennis, then she’s in it.
“And when she is outside, she can get away from it very well.”
Roger, who withdrew from two Grand Slam tournaments and had to undergo another knee surgery after Wimbledon, hasn’t had the best of seasons in 2021.
After the question popped up in the interview regarding the best way for him to retire, Roger said: “That doesn’t exist for me! But I wish that I can choose the moment myself.
“I am sure I will know when that moment comes. I am not afraid of the time after my professional career. It will be a smooth transition.” – Agencies, November 16, 2021
