Roger Federer will have to face “reality” when he returns to the circuit after his long break due to injurysaid seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander.
Federer, 40, told Swiss media that he was unlikely to compete again until mid-2022 and that he hopes to return in full physical condition. after the numerous operations he has undergone on his knee and that he would be “really surprised” if he could play at Wimbledon.
Federer, who is tied with Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic for 20 Grand Slam titles, said he could race again in January. and return to training on the slopes in March or April.
“I think it’s possible that he will come back. I think if he keeps saying it himself, he obviously has his mind set on going back,” Wilander said. in statements to Eurosport. “I think, for me, the biggest problem is that these guys are playing very well. Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are pushing from behind and are playing great tennis matches. Of course Federer has his serve but is he such a big weapon? Federer’s serve compared to Zverev and Medvedev’s serve? I think that will be the reality check. “
Federer had two operations in 2020 that left him out of the loop for over a year and returned to action in March, but has only been able to play 13 games this year. Another injury at Wimbledon forced Federer, who won his last Grand Slam at the 2018 Australian Open, not to compete at the US Open and to have surgery again.
“I don’t think Roger Federer plays many games on the circuit. He has realized that he still has a chance to win, maybe not a Grand Slam, but three or four games. I think for him, in his mind, it is worth going back. I don’t think he knows until he gets back on the court and plays a match and two or three sets against players like Zverev and Medvedev, “said Wilander.