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Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning match point during his Men’s Singles first round match against Steve Johnson of the United States of America on day one of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning match point during his Men’s Singles first round match against Steve Johnson of the United States of America on day one of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Over the past few weeks, the tennis world remained in question about the Swiss maestro’s 2021 Australian Open comeback. Roger Federer has ruled every uncertainty out and has begun his pre-season training in Dubai. His coach, Ivan Ljubicic, also revealed what to expect from World No. 5 in the next season.
The former World No. 3 is coaching Federer since 2016; Ljubicic is behind many tactical improvements in the 39-year-old’s game. While competing at such an age is not easy, the Swiss maestro has won three Grand Slams under the Chilean coach. However, considering Australia will be his first bubble experience, the challenge will be to still deliver a high level of tennis.
Read More: “I’m Still Not at 100%” – Roger Federer Raises Uncertainties Over Australian Open 2021 Comeback
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Roger Federer, if he remains fit, will play the entire 2021 season
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 04: Roger Federer of Switzerland practices with his coach, Ivan Ljubicic at Qi Zhong Tennis Centre before the start of the Rolex Shanghai Masters in Shanghai, China. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
The 20 times Grand Slam winner is coming back to tennis after having two surgeries on his knee. Despite age, injury, and conditions being against him, Federer is excited as always to reclaim the tennis court. But as the ATP calendar is not yet confirmed, they started their training on a first things first basis.
“We will discuss the schedule when there is enough news. It is difficult to do it now without fixed points. We are moving forward trying to prepare for a normal year. From December 14, we will be in Dubai to train, and then, who knows,” said Ljubicic.
His return in Melbourne Park will clock a complete year off from tennis for the Swiss maestro. He withdrew from the entire 2020 season after the Australian Open on account of his knee injury. Now, Roger will fly strictly between January 15 and 16 to play the first Grand Slam of 2021.
Read More: Australian Open 2021 Reportedly Reveals Charter Flights Regulations for its Participants
First in Federer’s 2021 objective: Australian Open
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Roger Federer of Switzerland in action during his Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match against Tennys Sandgren of the United States on day nine of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
Winning six Australian major tournament titles, this is not Federer’s first comeback at the Happy Slam. The applause on his famous return, defeating Rafael Nadal in the 2017 Australian Open final, is still reverberating inside Melbourne Park. Therefore, he will definitely aim to procure some good results there.
“The first objective is obvious, to prepare for the first commitments of 2021, when we can play,” confirmed Ivan. “Then we will see. I could say Wimbledon, but it’s obvious, that’s always the top target for him.”
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To watch Federer for one full season is what tennis fans need during these tiring times. Notably, the delay of the Australian Open caused due to the outbreak has given World No. 5 more time to recover. Above all, it is his fitness that will seal the fate of the 2021 season for him.
Also Read: How the Delayed Australian Open 2021 Helps Roger Federer?
