Roger Federer limited to 2-hour on-court training, targets Australian Open comeback
Roger Federer continues to take time out for his sponsors during his prolonged hiatus from tennis. Federer recently visited the headquarters of the coffee giants Jura, as he has been doing regularly since 2006.
During the visit, the legendary Swiss answered some key questions regarding his fitness and resumption of tennis training.
Roger Federer revealed that he was still far away from being able to fully resume tennis training. However, he added that his plans for a comeback at the 2021 Australian Open were still very much on track.
While speaking to Schweizer Illustrierte, Roger Federer also briefly touched upon his future and his plans for his post-retirement days.
I’m on the right track, I’m gradually coming back: Roger Federer
After suffering a knee injury earlier this year, Roger Federer had to undergo two surgeries - one of which was due to a setback in rehabilitation. That has kept him out of the game for the longest period in his career, but now the 20-time Grand Slam champion is slowly making his way back.
Roger Federer is being extremely patient though, as he doesn’t want to put any undue pressure on himself. He has assured fans that his recovery is ‘on the right track’ and that a comeback at next year's Australian Open looks more than likely - a statement that was also echoed by his friend and coach Severin Luthi.
“I'm on the right track, I'm gradually coming back, but don't put any pressure on myself and take my time,” Federer said. “I will only intervene in the tournament when I am one hundred percent fit. It currently looks like I can make my comeback at the Australian Open in January.”
Roger Federer also made the slightly disappointing revelation that he was still unable to train long hours on the tennis courts. There was, however, some positive news on the injury front, as Federer made it clear that his knee would not require any further procedures.
“Not yet, more than two hours with the racket are not possible at the moment,” Federer continued. “But I've been working on my stamina and strength absolutely painlessly for a while. There will be no further operations.”
Roger Federer speaks about life after tennis
There is no doubt that Roger Federer is close to the end of his career. Despite his greatness and love for the sport, it seems unlikely that Federer's tryst with tennis will continue for more than a couple of years.
As such, Roger Federer was asked about his plans once he calls it a day. The 39-year-old explained that such thoughts had been going around in his head for half a decade now. The Swiss said he would focus on other aspects of his life such as his ‘family, foundation and sponsors’ after tennis.
“I have been thinking about these ideas for about five years,” Federer added. “But as long as I have fun and it's right for all of us, I'll keep going. After that, I will focus on my family, my foundation, and my sponsors. I am very interested in business ideas and entrepreneurship. But I definitely don't want to plan everything now.”