Every tennis fan is desperately waiting for the Australian Open 2021. However, the reason this time is much more special is that fans will also see the return of Roger Federer in Melbourne. The Swiss Maestro played his last match at the very same Slam last year and then suffered a knee injury.
The question is whether Federer will be able to give competition to the young players, especially at the age of 39. Although he has got nothing left to prove, fans still expect him to lift his 21st Grand Slam title in the upcoming season. In a recent interview, 2-time Grand Slam champion Henri Leconte spoke on whether Federer would be able to make a successful comeback or not.
Henri Leconte sur les chances de Roger Federer de remporter un nouveau Grand Chelem :
"On le souhaite tous, on voudrait qu'il s'arrête sur un titre en Grand Chelem mais le train est parti avec cette jeune génération qui a mis une vitesse supplémentaire."
(via @TennisActu) pic.twitter.com/IbPBEsb0mp
— We Are Tennis France (@WeAreTennisFR) December 1, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“We want to believe it. We all want to believe it! It’s been a long and difficult year. Will the motivation still be there? Will this break, the fact of having been able to enjoy his family, have changed something or will he still have that renewed motivation that has always fascinated us? No one can say it,” said a hopeful Leconte in the interview.
Leconte clearly said that he wanted him to succeed in the upcoming year. However, he also added that there was no certainty about the same. He also highlighted that the younger generation would make things even more challenging for the 20-time Grand Slam winner.
via Getty
Roger Federer (SUI) during the French Open Tennis at Stade Roland-Garros, Paris. (Credit: Jon Bromley | MI News) (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“We all wish him. We would like him to stop on a Grand Slam title. But, the train is gone with this young generation which has put in an extra speed,” continued the 57-year-old.
“He makes us dream”- Henri Leconte on Roger Federer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Leconte again reiterated the value of Federer in the sport. He said that he would be the happiest if the Swiss managed to reach the top again. However, he again warned that it would be very tough for Federer.
via Getty
Roger Federer celebrates victory during his mens singles first round match against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy during Day one of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
“I would like to believe it. Roger has done so many things, that’s why he makes us dream, that we would like to see him at the top. It will be very, very hard…,” concluded the former French player Leconte.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
(Quotes have been translated via Google)
However great Federer is, it will not be easy for him to play against some top-quality players. What becomes even more challenging is the fact that Federer will be making a comeback after a year. Fans are definitely excited and enthusiastic about his comeback. But will he be able to conquer tennis once again?
