Roger Federer is all but set to return to the court at the Laver Cup and Basel Open in 2022.
The 20-time grand slam champion, Roger Federer, has been out of the tennis court for over a year. With this long layoff, the fans have started to question what’s next for the Swiss Maestro.
Federer played his last tournament in 2021 when he sought his 9th Wimbledon title. However, the crowd favorite bowed out of the tournament in the quarter-finals losing to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.
It was evident from the final moment of the match that the 40-year-old was struggling physically due to injury. Roger later announced that he had to undergo another surgery after the tournament and would be out of the tour for a considerable amount of time.
Since then, the fans have been waiting for their idol’s return. Almost after a year, Federer finally announced that he will make his much-awaited comeback at the Laver Cup this year on the 23rd of September. He also intends to play at his home tournament, Basel Open (Swiss Indoors) on October 24.
“Looking forward to playing back home.” he stated in an Instagram story. Unfortunately, according to Roger, that is all he plans to play this year. But he does aim to return on the tour for the year 2023.
These announcements somewhat alleviated the fans’ worry of Federer’s possible retirement from tennis. Nevertheless, although retirement is not something the Swiss is considering in a serious manner, the idea itself is not completely out of the radar for him.
“I am a winner lover, but if you’re not competitive anymore, then it’s better to stop. I don’t think I need the tennis,” remarked Federer while giving an interview to a Dutch newspaper. “Tennis is part of, but not my entire identity…. I know a professional career can’t last forever and that’s okay,” he added.
With Federer turning 41 in August this year, his recent statements only bolster the fact that we are indeed witnessing the Magician from Switzerland at the dawn of his career. Fans of the tennis world will be watching every next tournament of him with added enthusiasm as any tournament might be the last one.
