Roger Federer still a threat at big events, but realistic about French Open chances – Patrick McEnroe

He is still has the ability to win big tournaments, but Roger Federer won’t “realistically” think he is going to win this year’s French Open, according to analyst Patrick McEnroe.
Following 13 months on the sidelines due to two knee operations, Federer made his return to action at the Qatar Open in March. However, he pulled out of the two hard-court events after that in order to focus on training.
He finally confirmed a fortnight ago that he will play at Roland Garros this year while he will use the Geneva Open in his native Switzerland as a warm-up tournament for the clay-court Grand Slam.
Hi everyone!
Happy to let you know that I will play Geneva🇨🇭 and Paris 🇫🇷. Until then I will use the time to train. Can’t wait to play in Switzerland again. ❤️🚀— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 18, 2021
Although he believes Federer will be in good shape at the French Open, ESPN commentator and analyst McEnroe says the 20-time major winner will know he is not the favourite to win the title.
“He wouldn’t be showing up to play if he didn’t think he could play well,” he told Reuters. “But I don’t think he is realistically going there thinking he could win the tournament.”
He added: “Even when Roger was at his highest level he was the second best clay-court player in the world, which is saying something. I don’t think we can say that right now, especially coming off such a long layoff,” said McEnroe.
“But his expectations are certainly to go there and play well and make a little bit of a run.”
Federer turns 40 in August and while he no doubt would love to win a 21st Grand Slam title, McEnroe says the Swiss icon is still playing because he “loves the game”.
“He’s still a threat to win a big tournament,” former world No 3 McEnroe said.
“I never underestimate greatness and he’s great, one of the greatest if not the greatest of all time.
“He just loves the game. He loves to play. I don’t think he plays with the sole intention of ‘I’m going to play to try and win every tournament’ and I think that’s part of his popularity and part of his sustainability.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie breaks new ground at home Grand Slam
Cameron Norrie defeated Steve Johnson 6-4 6-1 6-0 to make the last 16 at a grand slam for the first time.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic not concerned about Covid-19 risk
Novak Djokovic is not worried about Covid-19.
-
Wimbledon
Mats Wilander backs Brit to make last eight at SW19
Heather Watson made a statement in her third round win.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic set for fourth round clash with breakout grass prospect
Van Rijthoven’s rapid rise this summer continued, as he beat Nikoloz Basilashvili to the sound of ‘come on Tim’ at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Heather Watson banishes the ghost of her epic third round loss to Serena Williams
Watson is through to the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time in his career.
-
Wimbledon
How much John McEnroe earns from BBC commentary gig
John McEnroe walks away with a tidy sum for a fortnight of work.
-
Wimbledon
Ons Jabeur isn’t paid by the hour as she breezes into last 16
The world number two extended her winning streak on grass this summer to eight matches.
-
Tennis News
Heather Watson and Cameron Norrie flying the flag for Britain today at Wimbledon
Only four Brits remain.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz finding his feet at SW19 to threaten Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal
He’s becoming a bigger danger to the ‘more experienced.’
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios punished for spitting at fan in Wimbledon crowd
Bad boy Kyrgios handed yet another fine.