Right knee problems have plagued Roger Federer for the past two seasons. Suffice it to say that the Swiss star played just 13 official matches last year, proving to be far from the best condition. The former world number 1 reached the round of 16 at Roland Garros and the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, far too meager tally for a legend of his caliber.
His run to the Championships ended at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz, who took the pleasure out of feeding him a bagel on the Center Court. A few weeks later, the 20-time Grand Slam champion reported that he had suffered a knee relapse and had to operate for the third time in 18 months.
The 40-year-old from Basel hopes to return to action in late summer or early autumn, perhaps for the Laver Cup (scheduled at London’s O2 Arena in late September). We will hardly see him on the pitch at Wimbledon, as reiterated by his historic coach Severin Luthi.
In a long interview with Tennis Deutschland, well-known journalist Christopher Clarey analyzed King Roger’s prospects in detail.
Clarey talks about Roger Federer
“I don’t presume to know how Roger Federer developed personally.
I’m not his friend, not a family member. An interview is an interview. Here he is very pleasant, very open. He hasn’t changed at all in certain areas – even if he has become a billionaire in the meantime (laughs). He always asks questions.
My first conversation in 2001 was less of an interview and more of a conversation. And in 2019, the last time I spoke to him, it was the same,” Clarey said. “What has changed is of course his knowledge, in general, but also about tennis history.
His sense of humor is also often underestimated, he always cracks a joke and likes to laugh. In conversation, he doesn’t come across as elegant as in advertising, more like a normal person. He’s a warm guy,” he added.
Christopher Clarey thinks Roger Federer believes he can win another Major as he was very close to winning one at the 2019 Wimbledon, where he had two match points against Novak Djokovic after beating Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.
“When Roger was last healthy, he was only one point away from winning Wimbledon – one point! I think he expects to have another good chance. Sure, on paper it didn’t look bad in 2021, he was in the quarterfinals at the age of 39,” Clarey said.
Personally, I don’t think he’ll get any further than before, I think there are too many players in the way. But why should Roger think so?”
