Roger Federer tugged at followers’ heartstrings throughout a query and reply session on social media this week, significantly when requested a few doable return to tennis. The Swiss has been retired from the skilled recreation since final September, when his knee damage proved too troublesome to beat.
Tennis fanatics jumped on the probability to realize an perception into Federer’s present state of affairs when he invited questions on Twitter this Tuesday. Many yearn to see him return to the highlight and turn out to be extra concerned within the sport.
A knee damage saved Federer sidelined for nearly two years on the tail-end of his profession, leaving followers with solely a fleeting however emotional farewell on the Laver Cup in 2022.
It was no shock, then, to see one fan quiz Federer on when he can be ‘coming again’. The eight-time Wimbledon champion responded: “I by no means actually left.”
The emotional reply sparked a frenzy on social media, the place @MOVIIIIC wrote: “I’M GONNA CRY MAN, I CAN’T CONTROL MY TEARS, ONE MORE GAME ROGER.” In the meantime, @spicycari added: “Ouchie, this one harm.”
Though there isn’t a prospect of seeing Federer return to the courtroom in a aggressive taking part in capability, there had been hope amongst some followers that he would prove as a commentator at Wimbledon later this summer season.
Studies indicated {that a} position with the BBC was within the pipeline, though Federer poured chilly water over an imminent transfer to the commentary field by admitting that he has ‘no plans‘ to take action this yr.
The tennis icon retired from the game with a whopping 20 Grand Slam titles, though along with his ‘Huge Three’ rivals nonetheless actively pursuing main silverware, each Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic sit two forward within the all-time charts.
Djokovic may turn out to be the standalone chief if he wins on the French Open subsequent month, with Nadal dominated out via damage.
The Spaniard has additionally admitted that he may be a part of his nice rival, Federer, by retiring subsequent yr. “I gained’t be taking part in for the following few months,” he mentioned. “On a private stage, day-to-day work, issues are troublesome. It is troublesome to be disadvantaged of what is an enormous a part of your life.
“I hope to be prepared by the Davis Cup, and I need to play in 2024, which ought to be the final yr of my profession. I need to have the ability to take pleasure in it and to say goodbye to tournaments that I need.”