Roger Federer confessed during the presentation of his new model of sneakers from the On brand that he was considering the possibility of hanging the racket because of the last operations on his knee that will prevent him from playing for the remainder of the season and that will postpone his return to competition for 2021.
Federer acknowledged that during the stoppage due to the coronavirus and after the two operations he underwent on his knee, he considered the option of stopping his career, although he finally decided to continue competing on a tennis court. “It has been an important moment for me, with the coronavirus and the two knee operations I have had, to consider whether I really wanted to continue my career. It would have been easy for me to say that I was going to retire now, but my Returning is a long way and I have to be patient with my recovery. Speaking in general terms about the coronavirus, I think it is time to reflect and for all of us to remember what is most important in life: family, friends, health. The most basic”.
The Swiss also regretted that the Wimbledon tournament could not be held this year, one of his favorite tournaments and where he will seek his ninth title in 2021. “I am sorry that this year Wimbledon could not be played but now I am happy to be with my family in Switzerland. It has been nice to spend more time at home after 25 years traveling and had been unable to stay home for more than a month. I continue with rehabilitation every day. I have not recovered my physical form yet, but I will play Wimbledon next year “.
Another of Roger Federer's goals is the Tokyo Olympics, where he will seek gold in the individual category after achieving it in doubles with Stan Wawrinka in Beijing 2008. “Despite the defeat in the final against Andy Murray, the London 2012 Olympics were a great experience. I couldn't be in Rio 2016 for the knee operation and this year we already know what has happened. Looking ahead to 2021, the Tokyo Games are one of my big goals. “
Federer also analyzed this atypical 2020 and the effect that the coronavirus pandemic has had on tennis. “It was a very special year. My last match was in South Africa against Rafa Nadal and then I underwent both operations. In the end, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games were not held due to the coronavirus, which has made us confined and unable to travel. It was too much. “
The Basel tennis player also spoke about the situation caused by the pandemic and how it can affect many families, while asking to help those who have had the worst of it as a result of the confinement. “I know there have been people who have had difficulties while at home, people who were scared and I think now is the time to take care of each other. Personally I think that many people are going to come out of confinement with mental consequences, and I think we can help them to overcome it. I have been busy taking care of my children, so I cannot complain, but I know that it has been hard for many people. We have been isolated for three months and we have not seen anyone in this time. We have been serious and strict. We have to continue like this and now we have to continue with care. “