“It could be a lot worse”

Returning Roger Federer is one point short against Nikolos Basilashvili in Doha, but in the end he has to admit defeat to the Georgian. Rarely has the Basel bidder been seen so happy after a defeat and yet he is putting his plans on hold for the time being.

“I’m over it,” says Roger Federer minutes after the narrow finish in his comeback tournament in Doha. ‘I would have liked to play tomorrow, don’t get me wrong. But at the same time I’m also happy to get some rest, ”admits the Swiss. Against Georgian Nikolos Basilashvili pulls out the straw after a match, but satisfaction overtakes Basler.

«I am happy to be back on tour. It’s a very, very positive return, ”said the 39-year-old. He knew that winning the Doha tournament was never realistic. “I’m not 100 percent yet, I can feel and see that,” says Federer, pointing to the muscle pain in the shoulder area.

However, in general, the winner of 20 Grand Slam is satisfied with his physical condition. “I’m happy that it could be a lot worse. I mean, there was always a little thought: How will I feel after a tough first-round game? (…) I was always afraid that for some reason I would not be able to play. “Fortunately, it did not come to that, although the tough duel with Dan Evans at the beginning leaves traces in the physical area:” In the morning I felt a bit rigid , but that’s completely normal. “

“Many of my friends have been waiting to return”

But not only physically, but also mentally, the first match after more than 400 days leaves its mark on Federer. “Yesterday’s victory was great. I received many messages. Everyone was so happy for me, I was very happy, ”he emphasizes. The reactions were even comparable to those of a major title. “To be honest, it was similar. I think a lot of my close friends and the people around me have been looking forward to this comeback, ”says Federer with a smile. “It was like winning a great tournament. There was always news. “

He himself was so excited that he responded to numerous compliments: “Although I don’t normally respond, I basically responded to all of them,” says Federer.

Ski pass for Dubai

However, the Swiss is suspending his comeback plans for the time being. For the next tournament in Dubai (March 15-21), the Basel bidder is already giving a pass on Thursday night: “I have decided that it is better to go back to training,” he explains on Facebook late at night.

But Federer also makes it clear in advance that the renewed rest should not be classified as a step backward. Because the master’s comeback was a success: “The most important thing: it was not a setback, I feel good and I’m on the right track.”