Roger Federer on his latest fitness battle and Novak Djokovic’s US Open final defeat

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Roger Federer laughing

Roger Federer has not made any public comments on his tennis future since confirming he would not play again in 2021 and undergoing knee surgery, but it appears the Swiss maestro could yet defy all doubters and get back on the court.

Federer, now 40, reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last summer, but it looked like his remarkable career was coming to an end when he confirmed he had undergone knee surgery and would face a long period of recovery.

Now the 20-time Grand Slam champion has given his army of fans around the world hope that he could make another comeback, as he spoke up his hopes of playing in 2022.

“I’m feeling actually really good, considering you know, that things are not as I hoped they would be, but I’m recovering well and the rehab is going really good I must say,” he told Eurosport.

“I’ve had no setbacks. You know, every day is a better day. I’m feeling strong and excited for what’s to come.

“I experienced it, of course, already a little bit last year. And I was actually surprised how somewhat easy it was for me to go through the rehab process, because I know it’s not everybody’s favourite thing to do, especially as a top athlete.

“But I think maybe after all these years of travelling, it’s also it was nice to be home having more time for the family and other things.

“Of course, I wish I could be back on a tennis court as quick as possible, but I have to be patient. And look, it’s a slow period right now. And I got to take it step by step. And so far so good. So I’m very happy.”

Federer also gave his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s aborted attempt to win a calendar Grand Slam, after he was beaten by Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final.

“We saw it with Novak, myself and Rafa [Nadal] that we come extremely close,” he added. “But, you know, just doing it, I think you need a bit of luck.

“You need perseverance, strength. You need everything you know. And that’s why I think it’s going to be hard. But it’s possible.

“And I have to ask also what Rod Laver thought because he was sitting first row watching Novak play. But what Novak did this year was, of course, truly exceptional.”

Roger Federer

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