Five things for Roger Federer to consider ahead of this summer’s comeback (Part One)

Opinion – James Spencer (Twitter – @jspencer28)

The pandemic hasn’t been to kind to tennis legend Roger Federer. Several knee operations have not gone according to plan and the Swiss has missed much of the action.

Fans across the world have also missed watching the Federer Express.

Since losing in the quarter-finals to Hubert Hurcazk at Wimbledon last July, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has had to bide his time and watch from afar as the sport continues without him.

At 40-years-old, Federer himself has accepted this could be one last lap of what has been an outstanding career.

It does appear that his surgery and rehabilitation is going well, and although it doesn’t look like he will be fit for Wimbledon, the signs are looking promising.

And I’ve come up with five things that the Swiss maestro may want to consider when he returns.

1.  Keep expectations in check

It’s actually impressive that Federer got as far as he did at Wimbledon last summer, considering the amount of time he spent on the sidelines.

He still managed to reach the round of 16 at the French Open as well, before withdrawing ahead of his match against Matteo Berrettini of Italy.

But in both scenarios, him and his fans have to be realistic that this is not a young Federer in his early twenties.

Instead, it will take time for him to build his match fitness up, get wins under his belt, which will in turn build confidence.

I very much doubt that Federer and his team, including Severin Lüthi, would blow expectations through the roof.

But it is important that they communicate a clear message to his fanbase that it will take time for the performances and results to come.

That will then ease the burden on the Swiss, making it easier to play more freely, without pressure.

2.  Greatness never goes away

On the flip side to my first point, Federer should be incredibly confident and positive with everything he does on the tennis court.

Why? Because he has won the lot.

20 Grand Slams. He’s won every major. He’s been world number one. He’s won the Davis Cup. He also won gold at the Bejing Olympics with Stan Wawrinka in the doubles.

His tactical awareness and intelligence, is one of the best in tennis, ever. Period.

If anyone can problem solve and find a way, it’s him.

As mentioned earlier, even when he hasn’t been at his best in matches or tournaments, he has still gone deep or found a way to win.

So, of course there will be nerves and his confidence might be a bit shaky to begin with, but he is one of, if not the greatest player of all time.

He should have absolute faith that he can return to the court successfully – once injury free.

I will conclude this piece in part two…