Roger Federer could ‘just play one match’ before announcing retirement

Roger Federer to miss US Open and undergo knee surgery

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Roger Federer must mentally prepare himself for what could be his final professional tennis match, claims Tomas Berdych. Federer announced in August that he is set for a sustained period on the sidelines. The Swiss legend has had further surgery on his knee after having two operations in 2020.

Federer made the decision to undergo surgery to give himself the best chance of competing at the top level again.

He is a doubt to compete at Wimbledon, the Grand Slam he has won more than any other male player.

Former Wimbledon finalist Berdych says Federer may want to return to the game and judge what level he is at.

But he has warned the 40-year-old that his next match could turn out to be his last.

“He maybe wants to come back on court and maybe make the call and whether he’s going to play his last tournament, for his huge fan base around the world, but if he doesn’t it’s fine,” Berdych told Reuters at the Champions Tennis event in London.

“He has nothing to prove so it’s down to him how he feels and how he wants to do it at the end of the day.

“He’s going to try to prepare himself as best as possible and he’s experienced enough to know that it won’t happen at one tournament.

“But, without matches and being 40 years old, it’ll be very difficult to judge your level.

“If you are in the middle of your career and you get injured for six months and you do a good preparation basically you know what’s going to happen when you start to play.

“But I think in this situation he needs to be mentally ready to know that it could be just one match, even if he’s done everything possible.

“It’s not easy and then the young guys will be there and won’t give him any favours.”

Federer’s all-time men’s Grand Slam singles title tally was equalled by world No 1 Novak Djokovic earlier this year.

In a statement in August, Federer said he would do all he could to return to the top of the game.

“I’ll be on crutches for many weeks, and also out of the game for many months,” Federer said in an Instagram video.

“I also want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form. I am realistic – I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it.

“But I want to be healthy. I will go through the rehab process with a goal, while I’m still active, which I think is going to help me during this long period of time.”

Source: Read Full Article