“Important to Go Step by Step”: Coach Shares About Roger Federer’s Recovery Phase

After being sidelined because of a right knee injury in February, Roger Federer pulled out of the remaining 2020 season. Since then, arch-rival Rafael Nadal equaled Federer’s record of winning 20 Grand Slam titles. On the other hand, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic seems poised to dethrone Federer in the race of most weeks spent at No. 1 ranking.

After going through arthroscopic surgery on his knee, the Swiss Maestro is undergoing a rehabilitation plan to make a comeback. Recently, during an interview, Federer’s coach, Ivan Ljubicic, was questioned about his pupil’s path to recovery. Under Ljubicic’s guidance, Federer has won three Grand Slam titles since the start of 2017.

Former World No. 3 Ljubicic revealed that Federer has been training extensively and the recovery process is going as per the program.

“He is in the recovery phase, I would say that things are going in the best way. He trains more and more and better, I’m curious to see how much we can push in the coming months. The program we had in mind, to date, has been fully respected. There is a lot of trust,” said Ljubicic.

Roger Federer to play 2021 Australian Open

Despite not having played for the last seven months, Federer hasn’t dropped in the ATP ranking. This is because of the introduction of a revised ranking system by ATP, implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Asked about Federer’s schedule for the 2021 season, Ljubicic brushed the question aside by saying that it was premature to talk about it. However, the Croatian acknowledged that the initial plan was to leave for next year’s Australian Open and then decide based on Federer’s body response. Having turned 39 in August, Federer has to take adequate rest in between tournaments to prolong his career.

“I know we want to leave as soon as possible, play a great Australian Open and then evaluate step by step. It will be important to go step by step and observe rest periods,” remarked Ljubicic.

After proving his mettle as a player and then as a coach, Ljubicic is embarking on another journey by establishing LJ Sports Group, a new management agency. Interestingly, Federer has his own management company, Team8 Global, with Tony Godsick.