Roger Federer: Another knee operation puts Maestro in a bind

Perhaps Roger Federer should get in touch with gymnastics hero Andreas Toba, the former national soccer player Simon Rolfes or the Austrian skier Stephanie Brunner. The trio has one thing ahead of the tennis star: All three know what it’s like to continue your career after three knee operations.

That is exactly what Federer intends to do.

Of course, not all knee operations are the same, the loads are also very different depending on the type of sport, but one thing is also clear: it can’t hurt to hear positive stories. Especially since Federer has an increased level of difficulty. “I know how difficult it is at this age to undergo another operation,” said the 40-year-old in a video message on Instagram.

The Swiss player was able to play a total of 19 games at tour level in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Build up match practice, find security, develop competition toughness? Everything fell out. After all: the special regulations during the corona pandemic with regard to the world rankings ensured that Federer is still in the top ten.

Federer in a tricky position

But this summer he has to deal with the question of whether a comeback is still possible or makes better sense? The plan is to “return to the tour,” said the superstar. On the one hand. On the other hand, it is “realistic” enough to recognize the size of the task. Although he is “on crutches for many weeks” and “many months out”, Federer wants to be “in shape” when he comes back.

It’s a tricky situation that has opened up. If Federer comes back and does not find his form again, which would be normal at almost 41 years of age, the career threatens to end with a series of defeats. A scenario that nobody wants to see. Not the fans, not the opponents – and anyway not himself.

The two experienced what threatens Federer: a career end that was planned differently, but became necessary due to physical problems.

“Federer apparently has the will …”

“Sure, a farewell on the big stage would have been nice. Should Federer have to stop too, I can tell him: In retrospect, that’s not so important. It doesn’t matter, because there are many positive things hanging over there,” said Nef, but also gives hope to the fans of the maestro. “Something is important: Federer apparently has the will to return – this attitude helps extremely in rehab,” believes the giant slalom world champion from 2001.

On the other hand, it is also important to keep an eye on the future, emphasized Küng. “Roger knows that the end of his career as a top athlete is approaching and he would like to be able to play sports even after his career – that was a crucial point for me,” said the 37-year-old, who ended his alpine career in 2019 after a training fall.

Federer’s wish? A repeat button

Considerations that Federer will also make before making his big decision. However, if the 40-year-old had one wish, things would go very differently, as he revealed to the “Blick”. “I’ve experienced a lot through tennis and seen a lot. But now I would somehow like to press the repeat button and experience everything again without the stress, without all the obligations of a player.”

Unfortunately, life didn’t foresee such a repeat button, not even for Roger Federer …