- Roger Federer is positive that he will return to ATP Tour 2022
- He says a recent MRI on his healing knee gave positive feedback that allows him to return to the court late summer
- Federer played only 13 matches in the 2021 season after a knee issue that started when he was playing at Wimbledon
Tennis icon Roger Federer is working on his comeback and will feature on this season’s ATP Tour from later summer to autumn.
When reporters approached Federer during a Super-G ski event, he confessed that his return to the tennis court is still some time away.
Roger Federer’s right knee has undergone a third treatment on the problematic joint within the last 18 months.
He won’t make it back in time for Wimbledon, but Federer intends to return in the late summer or early autumn, which would put him in position to play in the US Open, which begins on August 29.
WILL ROGER FEDERER PLAY IN 2022?
Roger Federer. Photo/Surprise Sports
“It will certainly be a while,” he told SRF TV. “The end of the summer, early autumn, where I’m aiming for a comeback.”
Federer missed the US Open in 2021 after developing knee issues. He told his fans that it would be a while before playing tennis as he underwent another knee surgery.
He told SRF TV that his recovery is plausible but he has had to start from the bottom after being on crutches for two months after the knee surgery last year.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion says the surgery was the way to go after Wimbledon in 2021.
“Currently I’m in three parts. First, the whole rehab, getting back on your feet at the beginning. Then afterwards, learning to walk and build up the whole thing.
“It’s only now where I’m at the phase where I can start thinking about my comeback. I had a very good MRI a few weeks ago, which makes me feel very positive.”
In 2021, he played just 13 matches before undergoing two surgeries that left him benched. Federer played six matches in 2020 before he developed the knee problem and took a break.
WILL ROGER FEDERER PLAY AT LAVER CAP WITH RAFAEL NADAL?
Fans have high hopes for his recovery as he is set to bring the action back together with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup 2022 in London.
The duo, known for their riveting action confirmed their presence at the tournament. organisers say.
When the Laver Cup was first held in 2017 and again in 2019, both players were members of Team Europe.
However, they were unable to compete in the tournaments in 2021 and 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic and injury.
This year around, they will compete at London’s O2 Arena from September 23 to September 25.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan,” Federer said according to Tennis 365.
“It’s no secret that I love the event and I’m super excited to be returning to The O2 and to London, one of the greatest cities in the world.”
Nadal also expressed optimism in playing at the Laver Cup saying the event is unique and is looking forward to participating.
“I suggested to Roger we should play doubles together in London and he seems keen, so now we just need to persuade our captain Bjorn!”
IS ROGER FEDERER WINNING ANOTHER GRAND SLAM?
Roger Federer could miss Wimbledon but will be back for ATP Tour 2022. Photo/Outlook India
And even as Federer gets ready to return to tennis, his father Robert Federer doesn’t thing his son could win another Grand Slam.
During an interview last year, Robert expressed doubt that his son will ever win a major tournament again.
A lot of people doubt Federer’s ability to win another major tournament, including a Grand Slam, because of his advanced age and the fact that he has already had three knee surgeries.
Many people don’t see a reason to be optimistic about Federer’s return because the last time he came back, it didn’t go well.
He, however, did not rule out Federer from winning. He said ‘Let’s see’.
Federer also missed out on the 2022 Australian Open in order to make full recovery, his coach Ivan Ljubicic said last year.
Ljubicic adds that the Swiss is determined to make an appearance in the court when his injury heals completely.
He said the former world No.3 life’s mantra is to take things slowly. Ljubicic added given his age, the knee injury is taking longer to heal, and Federer does not want to gamble with his wellbeing.
The coach also addressed questions on whether Federer was considering retiring.
“We have spoken and I can guarantee he wants to return to playing tennis,” he told Stats Perform. “When he decides to stop he will retire, but I don’t think it’s going to happen all of a sudden.”
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