Novak Djokovic on Roger Federer’s injury setback: ‘Roger is Roger. This sport needs him’

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Novak Djokovic admits he is “really sad” to see Roger Federer and Kevin Anderson going through the “psychological trauma” of knee surgery and hopes they return to action “very soon”.

World No 3 Federer made an unexpected announcement on Thursday that he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will be out of action for the next few months with mid-June a possible return date.

Three-time Grand Slam finalist Anderson then announced a couple of days later that he would also be on the sidelines for several months as he had a second operation on his injured knee.

Comment: The ‘FedDay’ clock just clicked forward a few notches after Roger Federer injury setback

Federer was due to defend his Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week, but Djokovic will now be the main drawcard.

“It was a surprise, to be honest. I knew he was struggling with an injury in the Australian Open,” the Serb said.

“I think no one knew really what is the injury and the extent of that injury. I really don’t like to see anybody going through a process of surgery. I’ve been through that once and hopefully the last time in my life. I know that for doctors, that’s routine-like procedure but it’s quite invasive.

He added: “I know it also creates a psychological trauma. I’m really sad to see Roger and Kevin Anderson going through that kind of procedures. I hope that they will be back very soon. Roger is Roger. This sport needs him.”

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