Former Olympic Gold Medalist Still Confident of Roger Federer at French Open 2021

Former Swiss tennis ace Marc Rosset isn’t ruling out countrymate Roger Federer’s return to Roland-Garros this year. In an interview with French daily L’Equipe, the 1992 Olympic Gold medalist said the 20-time Grand Slam champion is still only building up physically for the rigors of Grand Slam tennis.

Federer took a break from tennis to rest and recover from a second knee surgery he underwent after last year’s Australian Open. He not only missed the bulk of tennis action last season but also withdrew from the Australian Open this year, saying he still hadn’t reached the desired level of fitness.

Amid soaring expectations and breathless anticipation of his fans, the Swiss returned to competitive action at ATP Doha.

Marc Rosset feels Roger Federer can return at Roland-Garros to gain more match-time ahead of Wimbledon

Though Federer won his comeback match against Englishman Dan Evans, he fell to three-set defeat in his next to big-hitting Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili. Thereafter, he opted out of ATP Dubai and the prestigious Miami Open to focus on fitness and training ahead of the grass court swing.

However, the 39-year-old has confirmed participation at the Noventi Open at Halle Germany, a calendar grass court event ahead of Wimbledon that he has won a record 10 times.

Interestingly enough, his name features in the list of entries for the Mutua Madrid Open, thereby keeping open the possibility of him playing the French Open.

“I do not see why Roger would not play at Roland-Garros. Right now, he’s on the physical preparation. But after, he will have to play matches,” Rosset told L’Equipe.

He added that the champion would need more matches under his belt going into Wimbledon, and even a last-four finish at the French Open will give him a world of confidence before the action shifts to All-England.

“If he reached the semifinals (at French Open), it would be the best preparation for Wimbledon,” the former Swiss star said.

Read More: Roger Federer Shuts Down Retirement Buzz, Confirms Participation for Grass Season 2022

Federer is no stranger at the Madrid Open, as he has won the title three times.