WATCH: Roger Federer returns to practice court for first time in nine months
After a lengthy nine month absence, Roger Federer has posted a video of him striking balls on the training court again as he continues to step up his recovery from a third knee surgery.
20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer opted to undergo a third knee surgery following his heavy defeat to World number nine Hubert Hurkacz at last year’s Wimbledon Championships.
The loss to Hurkacz was Federer’s heaviest ever defeat at SW19 as he looked to be affected by a knee issue.
As a result of the surgery, the Swiss maestro was denied the opportunity to represent Switzerland at last year’s rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Switzerland would win a gold medal in tennis regardless as Women’s World number 28 Belinda Bencic won the women’s event.
Last month, Federer revealed that he would begin running and was doing as much as he was allowed to as he entered the next stage of his recovery.
This was then followed by Federer sharing he had received a “very good” scan on his knee and is hopeful of a return in the Summer.
Although, both he and his team have previously said that this year’s Wimbledon will likely come to soon for the Swiss star to make an appearance.
At 40 years old, some feel that Federer may face a “reality check” upon his return, especially with the competition provided by those spearheading the next generation of stars, namely Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
However, compatriot Stan Wawrinka has recognised that whilst he might not be able to make a return to his previous best levels, Federer will undoubtedly still have the same burning desire, drive and motivation as always.
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