Andy Murray sends message to Roger Federer as pair struggle for form ahead of Wimbledon

Tennis Grand Slams: Who is the greatest of all time?

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Andy Murray believes Roger Federer will soon rekindle his best form ahead of Wimbledon. Federer was disappointed with his performance after being surprisingly beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last-16 at the Halle Open.

World No 21 Auger-Aliassime defeated the 39-year-old 4-6 6-3 6-2 in Germany in yet another disappointment for Federer.

The Swiss was forced to withdraw from the French Open two weeks ago due to the knee injury that has plagued him for the last two years.

Federer has twice undergone surgery on his right knee in the past 24 months.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion had defeated Dominik Koepfer in the third round of the French Open but pulled out before his fourth-round clash against eventual semi-finalist Matteo Berrettini.

JUST IN: Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon after Rafael Nadal also pulls out

“No, it was not a good attitude from my side, I was disappointed in the way I was feeling on court, the way things were going,” Federer said after being beaten by Auger-Aliassime.

“It’s important for me to take the right decisions moving forward for Wimbledon and for the rest of the season because this type of third set I cannot accept.”

And former British No 1 Andy Murray, who has also struggled for form in recent years due to injury, has backed Federer to overcome his issues.

The 34-year-old was comfortably beaten by Berrettini in the last-16 at Queen’s Club, losing 6-3 6-3.

DON’T MISS: 
Roger Federer receives US Open boost as crowds set to return
Andy Murray shares Wimbledon injury concerns after Queen’s exit
‘Utterly shambolic’ – Wimbledon fans fume at ticket chaos

Murray, now ranked at 124 in the world, had a hip resurfacing operation in 2018 and has struggled for form since the issue first flared in 2017.

Both players are set to feature at Wimbledon when the tournament begins on July 28.

The Scot has backed Federer to perform better at the Championships, claiming that it will be ‘different’ if Federer were to face Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon. 

“I don’t know exactly what Roger’s situation is but I know from my own experience that it’s not easy coming back and playing after such a long period out,” Murray told reporters after his defeat in Eastbourne.

“When you’re used to playing at such a high level pretty much every time you step on the court for like – it’s probably been like 20 years almost at the top of the game – and to come out and not be playing that way and probably seeing the shots you want to play and just not being able to execute them [is frustrating].

“Felix is another guy that has a huge serve and goes for his shots.

“You’re kind of wanting to get into a bit of a rhythm and it’s not happening, so it can be hard.

“It’s extremely frustrating.

“I understand why it would be frustrating for Federer, but I’m sure he will work it out.

“You know, it’s different playing at Slams.

“It’s not the same as competing at the other tournaments, and certainly I don’t think for the other players, like stepping on court with somebody like him at Wimbledon will be different.

“Yeah, I think he’ll figure stuff out.”
Source: Read Full Article