“I just wanted to give you a bit of an update [on] what’s been going on since Wimbledon. As you can imagine, it’s not been simple. I’ve been doing a lot of checks with the doctors as well on my knee, getting all the information as I hurt myself further during the grass-court season and Wimbledon,” Federer said in a video. “That’s just not the way to go forward, so unfortunately they told me for the medium to long term to feel better, I will need surgery. I decided to do it.
“I’ll be on crutches for many weeks and also out of the game for many months, so it’s going to be difficult of course in some ways, but at the same time I know it’s the right thing to do because I want to be healthy, I want to be running around later as well again and I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form."
The Swiss star, who turned 40 on 8 August, underwent arthroscopic right knee surgeries in February 2020 and May 2020. Federer has played five tournaments since having those surgeries, all of which came this season. The 103-time tour-level titlist most recently competed at Wimbledon.
“I am realistic, don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it,” Federer said. “But I want to be healthy, I will go through the rehab process I think also with a goal while I’m still active, which I think is going to help me during this long period of time.”
At the end of his video, Federer made sure to thank the fans for all the support and continuing to motivate him through the highs and lows.
“Also a big thank you already now for all of your messages that are going to be coming in because you guys are always incredible. You always think of me. Some of you suffer with me,” Federer said. “I’ll update you as I move along with my rehab. I wish you all the best and I’ll check in with you soon.”
Roger Federer has somehow avoided father time for the entirety of his career. So it shouldn't come as that much of a shock that his body is finally showing the wear and tear. But I think because he's managed to avoid it for so long, it created this aura of invulnerability that seemed like it would go on forever.
I think the realization that he's human after all took everyone off guard. Even though realistically we all knew this day would come, accepting it doesn't make it hurt any less.
When and if he does come back, the question will be will he be able to still compete for the big prizes. Despite all signs pointing to no, his fans will always hope. I honestly wonder whether he will try to go out at one of the big tournaments or somewhere small like the 500 event in his home town of Basel.
Whatever his decision, I just hope we get to see him a few more times on court because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye, I don't think I ever will. But I do want him to be able to say farewell to his fans and the tour on his own terms one last time. The tour will not be the same without you Swiss Maestro, see you in 2022. ♥♥♥
