Roger Federer Reflects on Challenges of Playing French Open, Wimbledon and Olympics at a Stretch

The tennis season went into a lengthy break in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. This saw both Tour and player plans go haywire in an Olympic year. But while this break came due to unfortunate circumstances, it has helped the players in some ways as well. Roger Federer has decided to focus on the latter.

Speaking to SRF in a recent interview, Roger Federer was asked about whether he has already started mental preparations for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games.

“When you have been on the tour for 20 years you are happy to have a quieter year,” said Federer.

There are many important events apart from Olympics, says Federer

The 20-time major winner also opined that it is very difficult to just specifically focus on the Olympics.

“You couldn‘t really prepare for Tokyo as there would have been 20 tournaments before. They are also very important, even though maybe not as important as Olympics, which have another significance. But we have many big events. That‘s why honestly said the preparation just starts 3 months in before,” Federer expressed.

He also said that in tennis, the Olympics are preceded by the French Open and Wimbledon and these are all important tournaments.

The Tokyo Games will be played on hard courts. Federer believes that this plays equally well for all players, given the number of tournaments played on hard courts.

“It depends on which surface it is even though in tennis it‘s classic on hardcourt in Tokyo. Everyone can play on hardcourt but you have to specially prepare for clay and grass,” the eight-time Wimbledon champion admitted.

Roger Federer sees the bright side of tennis hiatus

Federer also said that due to the busy nature of the tour, it is very difficult to take breaks considering rivals are making the most of that time to play and win.

“We have so many matches and competitions that whenever you take a break you know that someone else is winning in that time. That‘s why it is extremely difficult to say ‘I take a break,'” Federer added.

“Now everyone are forced to have a break and I think that 90% of the players are thinking ‘Fortunately I can have a break. Tennis is constant and nonstop,'” he added further, on the uncharacteristic forced break.

Federer recently underwent a second surgery on his knee and has called off the rest of his 2020 season.

His last appearance on Tour was in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January.

He lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

Source – SRF, TwitLonger