Roger Federer took to Instagram to announce his plans for the rest of the season. The 20-time Grand Slam champion stated he’ll miss the US Open and a possible “many months” further as he undergoes another knee surgery.
The Swiss was last seen in action at Wimbledon, reaching the quarterfinals. For many millions around the world, it was a sight to behold as one of the all time greats took to his beloved grass courts after two years. While it was a decent outing for Federer, it was very concerning to see him the way he lost and questions about his fitness naturally arose.
“I just wanted to give you a bit of an update what’s been going on since Wimbledon. As you can imagine, it’s not been simple. I’ve been doing a lot of checks with the doctors as well on my knee, getting all the information as I hurt myself further during the grass-court season and Wimbledon. That’s just not the way to go forward, so unfortunately they told me for the medium to long term to feel better, I will need surgery. I decided to do it. I’ll be on crutches for many weeks and also out of the game for many months,” said Federer in the video.
Roger Federer in the future
This raises doubts whether Federer wasn’t fully fit when he played Wimbledon. If he wasn’t, he took a massive chance with his fitness. Nevertheless, if a surgery is what’s best for him and if it gives him a chance to be at the top of the game once again, he should absolutely take it.
Federer turned 40 on August 8 this year. Surgeries at this age are always risky, and even more critical is the recovery and rehab. The Swiss was positive in his outlook in saying, “I am realistic, don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it. But I want to be healthy, I will go through the rehab process I think also with a goal while I’m still active, which I think is going to help me during this long period of time.”
What this also means that the Swiss will probably take his time and try to launch a comeback in 2022. He’s been successful in the past doing this, most recently in 2017. Whether it’s one last hurrah only time will tell. But the great champion deserves to go on his own terms and when he feels like it. One can only hope that doesn’t happen soon.
Main Photo from Getty.
