On Sunday, Roger Federer made his way back to Wimbledon while sporting a dark suit and a James Bond-like appearance.
He plans to return to the All-England Club the following year to play tennis while donning all white.
At a gala honoring 100 years of Centre Court play, the 20-time major champion and eight-time Wimbledon victor declared, “I hope I can come back one more time,” to a thunderous ovation.
Federer hasn’t competed since falling to Hubert Hurkacz by a score of 6-0 in the third set in the Wimbledon semifinals of last year. He had his third knee operation, and in August he will turn 41.
Federer admitted, “I’ve missed being here. “I really wanted to be here. Last year, when I first arrived, I already knew it would be a difficult year. Perhaps I underestimated how long it would take me to recover, but my knee has been difficult for me. But I’ve been content.
On September 23–25, Federer hopes to compete at the Laver Cup in London before competing at the Swiss Indoors in October.
Rafael Nadal, a 22-time major champion, said on Saturday, “I personally miss Roger in the tennis circuit and tennis of course misses him, tournaments, fans, everyone.” “… I believe Roger Federer is significant in each and every competition. besides Wimbledon. Without a doubt, he will be missed in every single tennis event.
Tony Godsick, Federer’s agent, provided a timetable for Federer’s return in May.
Godsick told Standard Sport that this time, the man “won’t rush back.” “He will need to be 100 percent confident that he is 100 percent, which is why he is taking his time and engaging in intense rehabilitation and training. Building up the muscles and getting the lungs back is just as important as when the knee feels well. I am aware that he is inspired where he is. I don’t want to be his doctor, but what I want for him is that he will be able to play some this autumn and give a nice shot at 2023 before we see what happens. I haven’t discussed that with him.
Wimbledon was a terrific effort last year on one leg, Godsick continued. Also, I believe he would like another Wimbledon. He has had a really strong connection to that location.