With Roger Federer ruled out of the US Open and set for a third knee operation in the space of two years, there’s plenty of speculation surrounding the future of the iconic tennis player.
Now looking towards a return to action in 2022, time in competitive tennis appears to be running out for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Surgery Cuts Short Flushing Meadows Hopes
There were hopes Federer would be able to compete at the business end of the US Open this year, having impressed at Wimbledon earlier in the summer. Federer managed to reach the quarter-finals at the All-England Club before he was beaten by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Center Court. However, Federer will be taking no part in the action at Flushing Meadows after revealing he’s in need of yet another knee operation.
It looks like the 2021 grass-court season took its toll on Federer, and the Swiss star has admitted he doesn’t know if he’s already played his last match at Wimbledon. Fans of the 40-year-old will just be hoping he can return to the tennis circuit at some stage next year, but an appearance at the first Grand Slam of the year in the Australian Open looks highly doubtful.
As for the US Open this year, Federer being ruled out is one less obstacle for rival Novak Djokovic, who’s currently 8/11 in the tennis betting markets to win the last Grand Slam event of 2021. Djokovic has already claimed the titles in the other three major tournaments this season and is going in search of a coveted clean sweep. Victory for the Serb in New York, to add to his Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon titles this year, would also see him move clear of both Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam title standings.
Federer Realistic on Return
At the age of 40, Federer knows a return to the ATP circuit will be no easy task. The veteran has managed to keep himself in tremendous shape over the latter stage of his career and has been selective with the tournaments he’s featured in. That sadly has not prevented the experienced player from picking up injuries, which have seen him endure frustrating spells on the sidelines while the likes of Djokovic have earned further titles. Speaking about recovering from his third knee surgery, Federer said he was “optimistic” but still wary of how difficult a return will be at this stage of his career.
It’s clear that despite all he has already accomplished in the sport, Federer still has the hunger and desire to return and continue playing in the biggest tennis competitions in the world. Whether his body will allow him to compete at that level and challenge for titles once again remains to be seen.