He skipped the Masters tournaments in Toronto this week and in Cincinnati next week. So far, Federer had firmly planned a start at the final Grand Slam act of this season in New York. The US Open starts on August 30th. Until then, Federer would still have time to bundle his strengths, especially since he is now dosing his tournaments anyway. Since his comeback in Doha in early March after knee surgery, he has only played 13 games.
“It’s like boxing,” he said to the “Blick” and explained: “You have a lot less fights. The focus on a single game is therefore much greater. I had to learn that again.” The fact that he was ready for this learning step and that he asks “tricky” questions clearly speaks for the motivation to return to the field.
Serena Williams is also currently taking a break on the women’s tour, but the 39-year-old also wants to start at the US Open and attempt another attack on Grand Slam title number 24. But the umbrella organizations ATP and WTA have long been arming themselves for the time after the two most prominent faces of the past decade in tennis. With campaigns and the proclamation of a new generation, they promote the post-Williams-Federer era.
But it’s not that far yet. Both have not yet announced their resignation or the time for it. He “always sees the good in every situation,” said Federer. He celebrated his birthday “casually” with family, friends, his wife Mirka and the children. He enjoyed dancing (“without people filming my moves and posting them online”), he was doing “super good,” said Federer. “I am totally at peace with myself, and I am sure that there will be a lot more beautiful things to come.” Whether on the field or after the end of the career, the answer could not be inferred.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210813-99-825720 / 3
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