Roger Federer’s return to the field will take place at the Laver Cup, scheduled at London’s O2 Arena at the end of September. The former world number 1 will also take part in the ATP in Basel, back on the calendar after the last two editions had been canceled due to the pandemic.
According to his statements, the Swiss champion intends to play some tournaments also in 2023. The wish of the fans is that the King will be able to end his legendary career worthily. The last two seasons have been a real ordeal for the Maestro from Basel, struggling with a serious injury to his right knee.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion played a pittance of 13 competitive matches in 2021, failing to make it past the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. A few weeks later, he made the decision to have knee surgery for the third time in 18 months.
A guest on the latest edition of the ‘Court-Side with Beilinson Tennis’ podcast, well-known journalist Steve Flink explained what he expects from Federer’s return.
Steve Flink opens up on King Roger
“It’s so commendable in one sense because Roger Federer’s about to turn 41 in the summer, so the major part of his comeback would be launched as he approaches 42.
It’s asking a lot himself, but I think he remembers last year when he had such bad preparation and he played the French and he had to pull out after winning a few matches, to protect himself, to protect the knee, played a grass court event and Felix destroyed him, yet he still got to the quarters at Wimbledon,” Flink said.
The American believes that Federer will pace his return in such a way that he will peak by the time Wimbledon comes around next year. “I’m not betting either way, I suspect he is going to give it a go next year and if by Wimbledon next year, things are not turning and he lost early there or he felt he wasn’t up to it anymore, it’s no shame, but I actually do expect to see him out there unless there’s some kind of serious setback when he plays laver Cup in Basel but if things go reasonably well physically there then I see him performing again next year,” Flink concluded.
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer has confirmed his participation in this year’s laver cup. The former world number 1 who will turn 41 in August, has been away from the tennis court since July last year. Earlier this year, the Swiss maestro confirmed his plans to join hands with world number 4 Rafael Nadal to play for the team Europe.
