Roger Federer warned he could share same fate as Serena Williams in comeback

Roger Federer must avoid a ‘replica’ of Serena Williams’ return to Wimbledon next year if he plays, says Adriano Panatta.

Panatta, a former French Open champion and the only man to ever beat Bjorn Borg in the competition, is, like the rest of us, keen to see Federer return to tennis.

Despite the Swiss star being 42-years-old next month, he is planning on returning from triple knee surgery at the Laver Cup in September.

That is music to Panatta’s ears, but he is wary of Federer failing in the first round at Wimbledon like Serena Williams did this year.

“Roger Federer is one of the reasons why I continued to love tennis,” Adriano Panatta told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I wish him happiness, he has an extraordinary career behind him and a wonderful family next to him.”

“There is a time for everything,” he said. “[But] we have already given up with Serena Williams, I hope not to see a replica.”

Roger Federer has only played a handful of matches in two-and-a-half years due to his knee injury, but he confirmed during the parade of champions on Centre Court last week that he intends to play Wimbledon next year if at all possible.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of matches here,” he said. “It feels awkward to be here in a different type of role.

“This court has given me my biggest wins and my biggest losses. I hope I can come back one more time. I miss being here.

“I didn’t think it would take this long to come back; this year has been rough on me. I didn’t know if I should make the trip, but I’m happy to be standing here today.”

🎾 Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

🎾 Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

🎾 Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

🎾 Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

🎾 Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner