The prospect of winning an Olympic medal in 2021 is one of Roger Federer’s main objectives for next year as the former world No.1 continues his recovery from surgery.
Federer hasn’t played a competitive match since the Australian Open in January where he lost in the semi-finals to Novak Djokovic. Since then the Swiss maestro has undergone two surgeries on his right knee. The first occurred shortly after his time in Melbourne and before the Tour was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A couple months later he had a second procedure following a ‘setback’ in his recovery.
Now seemingly back on the mend, the 38-year-old has stated that he aims to regain full fitness by the first day of 2021. His long-time coach, Severin Luthi, recently told reporters at a press conference in Biel (Switzerland) that he will return to training next month.
“The goal is to be 100% fit again on January 1st. There is now a 20-week condition block. It’s a long way, but I’m ready,” Federer said during an interview with SRF.
“I hope I can still play tennis when I come back.” He then joked.
Due to the pandemic, Federer will not drop significantly down the rankings thanks to a change in ATP rules. A players ranking is now based on their best 18 tournament performances over the past 22 months instead of 12 months. This applies to tournaments taking place between March 2019 and December 2020 at present. It is mathematically possible that Federer could still qualify for this year’s ATP Finals even though he will not be playing any more tournaments.
Looking ahead to his return to the Tour, Federer has his eyes set on the Tokyo Olympics. Which has been delayed until next year due to the pandemic. Recently performance running company On, which Federer has a significant investment in, signed a contract to provide clothing to the Swiss Olympic team.
“The Olympics are always very special,” he said.
“I’m excited to see what Tokyo will be like and hope the games can take place in 2021.”
A four-time Olympian, Federer won gold in the doubles alongside Stan Wawrinka in 2008 and silver in the men’s singles at the 2012 Games. He was Switzerland’s flag bearer in both 2004 and 2008. Making him the first and so far only athlete from his country to have done so at consecutive Summer Olympics.
“I’m not there yet. If you have been on the tour for 20 years, you are happy to have a quieter year. The right preparation starts about 3 months before the games, you don’t think about it before,” he commented on his preparation for Tokyo.
As one of the oldest players in the sport, Federer is aware that his record-breaking career is reaching its closing stages. He has won 103 ATP titles, which includes a record 20 Grand Slam trophies. Earlier this year he became the first tennis player to top the Forbes annual list of highest-paid athletes with estimated earnings of $106.3 million (including endorsements).
“Since I won the French Open in 2009, the media has been chopping on this topic,” Federer said about his retirement speculation.
“But it is already clear that I am at the end of my career. I can not say what will be in two years. That’s why I plan year after year. I’m still happy right now. But when the cogwheels don’t grip anymore, I stop.”
Federer, who will turn 39 next month, is currently ranked fourth in the ATP rankings.
