“Most Important For Him”: Seven-Time Grand Slam Champion Optimistic Over Roger Federer’s Chances at Wimbledon Championships 2021

After emerging victorious from an engaging contest against the German Dominik Koepfer in the third round at Roland Garros, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer announced his decision to withdraw from the tournament.

The decision, largely related to the state of his body, has been getting mixed reactions from tennis fans across the globe.

Heading to the French Open this year, Federer suffered a shock defeat against Pablo Andujar at Geneva. Since then, the Swiss star maintained that he was nowhere close to winning the French crown.

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Mats Wilander expressed his opinion on Roger Federer’s withdrawal from French Open

But, after the first two matches, it looked as if Federer might be unstoppable until the quarter-finals, where he could have faced long-time rival Novak Djokovic. His plan was halted by Dominik Koepfer, who pushed the Swiss Maestro to bring out the best in him while playing big points.

Even though it was a scrappy performance from Federer yesterday, he managed to play the big points correctly to win a tightly-contested battle that lasted for 3hours and 35 minutes.

During the post-match press conference, the Swiss star hinted withdrawal from the French Open after an exhausting night of tennis. After consulting with his team, Federer announced his decision to stop competing on the Parisian clay this year.

Commenting on Federer’s withdrawal decision, former world number one and seven-time grand slam champion Mats Wilander opined that the French Open has been a perfect preparation for the Swiss Maestro ahead of Wimbledon Championships.

“It proves that it’s a long term project for him to come back and that, for me, is good news. Because, it means that he is going to be around for a bit longer”, added Wilander.

The Swedish player also expressed how difficult it could have been for Federer to face the likes of Berrettini, Djokovic, and Nadal at Roland Garros.

“Grass comes so naturally to him” – Wilander on the grass-court success of Roger Federer

“But, yeah obviously, he got the matches that he needed and wanted. Would be tough to go up against Matteo Berrettini, and then you have Novak Djokovic and maybe Rafael Nadal, so why not”, said the Swede.

Eyeing the grass-court season this year, the Swiss star will play the Halle Open, which is scheduled to start from the 14th of this month. Over the years, Federer has made it a point to play at least a single tournament heading into Wimbledon as grass-court tennis suits his style of play.

Mats Wilander also stressed on the importance of grass season to Federer.

“I think that’s the main period that is about the most important for him over the years. He obviously enjoys all the grand slams on different surfaces. But, grass comes so naturally to him, and that’s where he had the most success”, concluded Wilander.

It’s clear that the victories against Denis Istomin, Marin Cilic, and Dominik Koepfer will aid the 20-time grand slam champion to bring out the best of him at Wimbledon this year. But, it’s equally essential for Roger Federer to win the Halle title and boost his confidence.

Also read: “Important to Listen to My Body”: Roger Federer Announces Upsetting News at French Open 2021