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Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tennis News

Novak Djokovic says Roger Federer is ‘an icon of the sport’ and ‘deserves a proper farewell’


World number one Novak Djokovic “sincerely hopes to see him play at least another time” after Roger Federer outlined plans for a comeback.

Federer announced that he will miss the Australian Open and possibly Wimbledon as he reveals his plans for a return after suffering a setback with his knee earlier this year. Federer is ultimately hoping to be playing again by the summer.

Djokovic is currently chasing a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title that would put him level with Federer. The Serbian Year-End number one has already secured his progression to the semi-finals after beating fifth ranked Andrey Rublev and eighth ranked Casper Ruud.

All three of Djokovic, Federer and Rafael Nadal boast an incredible 20 Grand Slam titles and with both Federer and Nadal hoping to make their returns from injury next year, the race to become the most successful singles player of all time looks set to continue.

Djokovic said in a press conference after his match with Rublev, “Roger [Federer] is an icon of our sport and people around the world love him. They love watching him play, love seeing him around.

“He’s very important for our sport on and off the court. For the sake of our sport, I sincerely hope that we can see him play at least another time. I’m sure he doesn’t want to end his career this way.

Djokovic knew Federer had been struggling with his knee and said that should Federer not be able to re-join the ATP Tour at 100% he hopes he can get a deserved final send-off.

“I’m not sure what his injury is, and I know he’s been struggling with a knee for quite a few years. So let’s see.

“I think he’s going to definitely give it a last push, a last try. For everything he has achieved and created for this sport, he deserves to play and deserves to have a proper farewell, if his injury is not allowing him to play more frequently on the tour.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.