On Sunday, the 100th anniversary of the Center Court in Wimbledon was celebrated. Invited along with other legends, Roger Federer expressed his desire to return to the most famous pitch in the world as a player. The former ATP number 1 has played very few matches in the last two seasons, having had to deal with a serious right knee injury.
The Swiss champion has undergone three operations and tried a timid comeback last year. The 20-time Grand Slam champion collected nine wins and four losses in 2021, failing to make it past the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Barring further unforeseen circumstances, the 40-year-old from Basel will return to the field at the Laver Cup, the rich exhibition he founded which will take place at the O2 Arena in London from 23 to 25 September.
The Swiss was overtaken by Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam standings, while Novak Djokovic snatched the record for weeks at the top of the ATP rankings. Speaking at Eurosport, Mats Wilander analyzed the King’s prospects in detail.
Wilander on Roger Federer
“I don’t think Roger Federer is going to come back unless he feels he has a level where he can compete with most guys on the circuit. Does he have the confidence to step onto center court at Wimbledon and face Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals next year feeling he has a chance? Again, I don’t think he knows.
I’m sure we’ll see it. If there is a physical chance, I am hopeful to see him play another Wimbledon and maybe even more. Now that we’ve seen Serena say, ‘I never thought about retirement, I just enjoy playing.
I’m here to win the game I’m involved in and to enjoy the process. I like training and I am healthy. It’s kind of the same attitude as when you were 18. Serena is now 40 and I’m sure Federer will come back with the same intentions” – Mats Wilander said.
In the book, “The Roger Federer Story: Quest for Perfection” by Rebe Stauffer, Serena Williams praised the Swiss Maestro for his astounding gameplay. She said, “I wish I could play like him”. The 23-time grand slam winner is also in awe of the Swiss player.
Serena Williams made a comeback at this year’s Wimbledon. However, she had to bid it farewell early only after the first round. But this has not dampened the spirit of the former world no. 1. She is still motivated and is gearing up for the US Open 2022.
