Simon Graf, svajcarski novinar, ovo je sa njegovog tvitera
There has been wild speculation about @rogerfederer recently. To put these to rest, he called my dear colleague
@maeschmann and spoke openly for the first time about his recovery after his third knee operation and his goals. Some quotes by Roger follow (a thread) (1/12):
About his return: «I would be incredibly surprised if I were to play again already at Wimbledon (2022). Australia is not an option at all. But that's no surprise for me. Even before the operation, we knew that a break of many months would be necessary afterwards.»
«I wanted to wait for the first major check-up before making a public statement, and the check-up was very encouraging. I have started a long rehabilitation process in which I put all my heart and soul. But the situation is not the same as in 2016. I have to be patient.»
About his injury: «The examinations after the grass season revealed that my right inner meniscus was injured again. It had to be stitched, which required a certain period of immobilisation. And the doctors took the opportunity to treat my cartilage as well.»
His timetable: «The doctors say that I will be able to jog lightly in January and gradually return to the court. Gently. They don't know, but I've already been playing a bit of tennis with the kids. Then in March or April, I can start training again in a tennis-like way.»
«I had this operation done so that I could ski with my children or play football or tennis in the future. My primary motivation was to get back in shape for my normal life. But I wanted to approach this rehabilitation with the mentality and body of a top athlete.»
«As far as my sporting ambitions are concerned: I want to see once again what I can achieve as a tennis pro. I'm fighting for it and I'm very motivated. I feel the support of my team and my family. We all wish that I can say goodbye on my own terms and on a court.»
«I have experienced similar challenges many times in my career. Sometimes without the public being aware of it. And even though I know that the end is near, I want to try to play some big matches again. It won't be easy, but I will try.»
About retirement: «I think that every athlete should decide for himself. There is no right time to retire. There is only the time that suits each individual athlete. It is a very personal decision.»
«What kind of image will people remember of me? My last set at Wimbledon last July? Or my Grand Slam titles and what it triggered in them when they watched me play? My money is on the latter. For a few years now, I've been pretty relaxed about that.»
«But I understand the fans' feelings. It would be easy for me to say, "I've given a lot and received a lot. Let's stop here." But me investing everything to come back is also my way of saying thank you. My fans deserve better than the image of my last grass season.»
My world will not collapse if I never play in another Grand Slam final. But it is my ultimate dream to return once again. And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles. I have already experienced them.