Federer announces comeback plans
Tennis legend Roger Federer began returning to the practice court last week and hopes to play exhibition matches around the world in the coming months.
In an interview on April 14, Federer said he is training three times a week to regain his fitness and skills. The 43-year-old star wants to participate in a few exhibition matches in the coming time to “fill up some beautiful stadiums”.
“I’ve played enough golf over the years,” Federer said. “To be honest, I want to play more tennis. I hope to have some practice matches in the coming weeks and come back at an exhibition event. There are no specific plans but I miss tennis.”
Federer hits a forehand during his fourth-round match against Sonego at Wimbledon 2021 on July 5, on Centre Court, All England Club, London, England. Photo: Reuters
Federer plays a forehand during the fourth round match against Sonego at Wimbledon 2021 on July 5, at the Centre Court, All England Club, London, England. Photo: Reuters
Federer retired in 2022, after the Laver Cup team tournament. At that time, he said he would return at the right time to serve fans around the world. A farewell tour to many cities is something Federer cherished but could not do due to injury.
After his close junior Rafael Nadal retired at the end of last year, Federer hinted at the possibility of organizing exhibition matches between the two. The famous pair once set a record of more than 50,000 spectators in South Africa in 2020, and also participated in a special match on a half-grass, half-clay court in 2007.
Nadal played an exhibition match with Carlos Alcaraz last year, organized by Netflix. It’s not hard to imagine another media outlet making a Federer-Nadal exhibition match a reality this year. Despite no longer playing at the top level, the former rivals still command the largest fan base in tennis history.
In addition to his return to the court, Federer is still a key member of the Laver Cup team event. The tournament will take place in September in San Francisco, USA, with new captains Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah. “From what I understand, ticket sales are going very well and I believe it will be as successful as Berlin last year,” Federer added.
