In June, fans of the mighty Roger Federer rejoiced as the eight-time former champion returned to the court for the first round of Wimbledon 2021 facing ATP World No. 22 Adrian Mannarino of France. As the history books show, Federer remains the only man who has won more titles at the All England Club, and at first, from the looks of it, the champion seemed to shift his return into high gear for his favorite Grand Slam. Eventually, the champion fell at the hands of Polish Hubert Hurkacz during the quarterfinals in three straight sets, sounding retirement alarm bells around the rumor mill.
As many recall, Federer was forced to sit out a couple of matches last year despite the ephemeral season due to another knee injury that has been hounding him since midyear. However, if 2016 is any indication of what’s to come, opponents should think twice about writing Federer off this year after he bounced back in 2017 despite nursing a similar injury. In that same year, the champion from Switzerland won two majors and went on an impressive 52-5 record to recapture the No. 1 spot by the start of 2018.
Although it seems like he has somehow recovered from his knee injury, many are still concerned about Federer's decision to pursue tournaments this year considering that there were some minor setbacks to his recovery back in February. Aside from that, pushing 40 is not exactly a friendly number for players in any physical sport. Add to this his slim chances of being highly-seeded for this year’s Australian Open, considering he started his rally a bit late in the year.
The present struggle
Like many players who have had to deal with chronic injuries, there’s no doubt that ‘Fed’ continues to struggle in regaining his top form. With this, critics are debating whether he should still be in the running as tennis’ GOAT with the most Grand Slam titles along with co-champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Wimbledon concluded with a long and hard-fought fourth set win from World No. 1 Djokovic of Serbia, who defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. This adds another title for Djokovic who, until the win, played catch-up against his two greatest rivals, each of whom have 20 Grand Slam titles under their belt. But with Djokovic’s showing in Wimbledon, experts are beginning to think that 20 seems like too small a number for the Serbian to achieve.
Meanwhile, Federer’s loss to Hurkacz was one of the biggest in his career, bowing in three sets 6-3, 7-6, 6-0. The Swiss legend’s struggles were apparent during the match as he could not keep up with the longer rallies during a match day with windy conditions. Many were quick to point out that Federer’s clumsy footwork might be a sign of low confidence riddled with injury.
Just recently, talks about how Federer won’t be returning to Wimbledon have been circulating after retired German champion Boris Becker expressed his prediction. This concerned fans who started wondering if Federer’s match against Hurkacz was the last they’d ever see of the Swiss in Wimbledon. But it’s somehow easy to understand Becker’s speculations.
During his match against Hurkacz, Federer made a lot of bad returns, awkward court movements as he tried to score for points, and that shocking last set 6-0. Certainly, many can detect there’s something wrong. The numerous errors were also not very becoming of a perfectionist like Federer.
Talks of retirement
Prior to taking on the grass courts of Wimbledon, Federer played matches at the French Open in Paris, but later bowed out after reaching the fourth round to set his sights on London. Famed tennis coach Heinz Günthardt also weighed in on Federer’s Wimbledon finish, saying the champion fell short in regaining his level of performance and was too quick to jump the gun after his Paris stint. Besides, the 20-time Grand Slam title holder earlier said that his matches at the French Open were the only preparation he had done before playing at Wimbledon. Unfortunately, he ultimately cracked under pressure even during his match with Mannarino where he only sliced with his backhand.
Then, there’s American legend John McEnroe who boldly predicted that Federer will never win another Grand Slam title again in his career considering that his last major win came at the Australian Open three years ago right before his back-to-back knee surgeries.
Despite all the rumors, many are still hoping for Federer’s return to the court with Becker saying it would be a shame if his last match in Wimbledon ended in a 6-0 set, and Spanish tennis coach Antonio ‘Toni’ Nadal Homar predicting the champion can still rise to his top form. Also, millions of Federer’s fans do deserve to see their idol back in the courts and in peak performance in every Grand Slam tournament, as he owes each one of them for the standing ovations he received throughout his stellar career.
A matter of time
While many continue to talk about his future, the champion remains silent about his plans. There’s no doubt he is one of the greatest singles male tennis players of all time and still one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. In his May interview with GQ magazine, he said he still has high hopes despite the toll his injuries have taken on his performance. He also said that questions about his retirement have been brewing for the past 12 years since he first shocked the world with his French Open win against Sweden’s Robin Söderling in 2009. Still, he did not give a real answer.
For the fans, it’s quite comforting to hear the champion say that he is currently at a comfortable point in his life wherein he is more relaxed and still on the lookout for one last great hurrah. After setting a world record eight Grand Slam wins on the grass courts of Wimbledon and a total of 31 Grand Slam finals appearances, who wouldn’t be? Having set an unparalleled legacy that showed his love for the game, Federer is quite content no matter what the future holds for him.
As for those who are asking if he is about to throw in the towel, Federer has said that he still wants to win. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have undergone five weeks in crutches and a long-term rehabilitation program if he was ready to hang up his racquet. He knows that the younger breed of champions today, including Nadal and Djokovic, are stronger both physically and mentally, but experience and passion will always remain instrumental factors that decide every match.
Having played with injuries and various issues throughout his career, Federer plans to go out like the true champion that he is. That being said, it’s just a matter of time until we all get to see him back on the court playing for the title--even if it proves to be his swan song.
If you want to learn more about the world of tennis and Marc Pulisci please follow us here.
Comments