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Roger Federer has exclusively revealed to SRF how he is planning for the 2021 season and how he envisions his future.
The tennis world had to be patient for a long time, but the moment has come soon: in early March, Roger Federer will return to the tour after a 13-month absence from the ATP 250 tournament in Doha. His last appearance dates from the end of January 2020, when he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the Melbourne semi-finals.
“I have been thinking about when and where to return for a long time. Australia came too early because of my knee, ”explains the Basel bidder in an exclusive interview with SRF radio host Bernie Schär. Federer has never missed the Australian Open since 1998, and thus for 23 years. “That hurts. It’s one of the places where I love to play the most.”
The Doha decision had another reason besides the knee: “I wanted to come back in a smaller tournament so as not to be completely focused and where the stress is also a little less.” Federer has celebrated 3 titles in the past in the Qatari metropolis and only failed to reach the semi-finals once in 7 appearances between 2002 and 2012; The question arises of how much the Swiss can escape the focus there.
Wimbledon, Olympia and the US Open
The 39-year-old man had two knee operations last year. At the beginning, therefore, it is also about seeing how the body reacts when playing tennis. He will not “pathologically attempt to stay on tour.” If the family or the body does not work, he will pull the cord.
I want to celebrate great victories again. And for that I am ready to go the long and difficult road.
However, Federer already has specific ideas on how the season should continue if the knee follows suit. After Doha he will probably play one more tournament and then insert a block of conditions. “I will try to play on clay again,” said the teacher. “Everything, of course, regarding Halle, Wimbledon, Olympia and the US Open.”
Drive and ambitions are right
Federer explains his drive simply: “I like to play tennis for life. In recent months I have given a lot in rehabilitation, in the area of conditioning. I had to go through that, but I always enjoyed it. “
I want to go skiing with my kids, play basketball, or start playing ice hockey; I still have many dreams.
And the ambitions seem to be great with the winner of 20 Grand Slam: “I want to celebrate great victories again. And for that I am ready to go down the long and difficult road. “
Federer also says that …
- … about time without tennis: “In fact, I thought that I would not follow the sport much and would be more busy with my children and my rehabilitation. I was surprised to keep checking results and watching matches. And normally I don’t do that if I don’t participate in a tournament. “
- … about his future: “I want to be able to go skiing with the children and with Mirka. Or go on a hike, play basketball, or start ice hockey – I still have many dreams. For that I need a good body and I don’t want to hit it against the wall. “
- … about the new situation with the family: “Now I have assumed more of the role of quarterback, I was the organizer. I knew exactly what the 4 kids were doing and made sure we were not late for anywhere. I also became the driver of the family. “
