Serena Williams, a 23-time grand slam champion, seemed to contort her lower leg in the fifth round of her match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and had to pull out a game later after her body clasped as she attempted to return a serve.&nbsp;It was the second retirement in succession on tennis' most celebrated court after Adrian Mannarino twisted his knee while he was two sets to one facing Roger Federer.

Numerous players and fans reacted to this unfortunate incident:

England's Andy Murray, who struggled on the elusive surface in his first-round clash on Monday, sympathized with Serena Williams. He tweeted: "Brutal for @serenawilliams but&nbsp;Centre Court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there."

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Aliaksandra Sasnovich said she was "sad" and conceded the grass on the court was hard to continue ahead. She said: "I'm so sad for Serena. She is a great champion. It happens sometimes in tennis, but all the best to her. It was very slippery. I fell as well. When she did an angle, I couldn't run, because it was so slippery."

Billie Jean King, a six-time champion at Wimbledon, communicated her disappointment at Serena Williams' withdrawal on Twitter. She said: "Saddened to see Serena’s Wimbledon end with an injury. She’s a champion, and I hope she’s back on the courts soon."

Serena Williams was by all accounts not the only survivor of the slippery surface on the day. Minutes before she took the court, Adrian Mannarino hurt his knee seriously subsequent to sneaking in his first-round match against Roger Federer. Like Serena Williams, &nbsp;Adrian Mannarino, as well, got some treatment and played a couple of more points before at last yielding the match.&nbsp;

Adrian Mannarino, the world No 41, was quick to endure in the wake of having Roger Federer in a wide difficult situation until a hefty fall in the fourth set. “I just slid down as it was really slippery. I heard a big crack and I knew straight away that I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore. I’m not used to playing on Wimbledon Centre Court. I didn’t have much time to practice before the match and the court definitely looked slippery to me. I was not feeling great. Every time I tried to push on my feet or change direction I was not comfortable with that,” he said.

Roger Federer, in the meantime, was in a press conference when he heard that Serena Williams had been compelled to withdraw. He said: “Oh, my God, I can’t believe it. It’s obviously terrible that it’s back-to-back matches and it hits Serena as well. You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down.”

Talking about Adrian Mannarino's physical issue, Roger Federer said: “It’s awful, it shows that one shot can change the outcome of a match, a season, or a career. He was the better player so I was a bit lucky.”

Roger Federer additionally said he felt the matches being under a rooftop had been a factor. &nbsp;“I do feel it’s drier during the day. With the wind and all that stuff, it takes the moisture out of the grass.”

Normally, the elusive grass at Wimbledon has raised a reasonable few eyebrows in the tennis fraternity. Numerous players, including Novak Djokovic, have tumbled to the turf frequently in the wake of losing their balance. Various players had cautioned about the dangerous courts on the first day of the season of the competition, including Novak Djokovic. Although, conditions showed up much more terrible on&nbsp;a&nbsp;subsequent day, especially on Centre Court. What's more, it stays not yet clear if Wimbledon will do anything about their surface from the following edition onwards.

Serena Williams, a 23-time grand slam champion, seemed to contort her lower leg in the fifth round of her match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and had to pull out a game later after her body clasped as she attempted to return a serve.

Serena Williams, a 23-time grand slam champion, seemed to contort her lower leg in the fifth round of her match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich and had to pull out a game later after her body clasped as she attempted to return a serve. It was the second retirement in succession on tennis' most celebrated court after Adrian Mannarino twisted his knee while he was two sets to one facing Roger Federer. Numerous players and fans reacted to this unfortunate incident: England's Andy Murray, who struggled on the elusive surface in his first-round clash on Monday, sympathized with Serena Williams. He tweeted: "Brutal for @serenawilliams but Centre Court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there." ALSO READ: Tennis: Big-serving Anderson relishing Wimbledon rematch with Djokovic Aliaksandra Sasnovich said she was "sad" and conceded the grass on the court was hard to continue ahead. She said: "I'm so sad for Serena. She is a great champion. It happens sometimes in tennis, but all the best to her. It was very slippery. I fell as well. When she did an angle, I couldn't run, because it was so slippery." Billie Jean King, a six-time champion at Wimbledon, communicated her disappointment at Serena Williams' withdrawal on Twitter. She said: "Saddened to see Serena’s Wimbledon end with an injury. She’s a champion, and I hope she’s back on the courts soon." Serena Williams was by all accounts not the only survivor of the slippery surface on the day. Minutes before she took the court, Adrian Mannarino hurt his knee seriously subsequent to sneaking in his first-round match against Roger Federer. Like Serena Williams, Adrian Mannarino, as well, got some treatment and played a couple of more points before at last yielding the match. Adrian Mannarino, the world No 41, was quick to endure in the wake of having Roger Federer in a wide difficult situation until a hefty fall in the fourth set. “I just slid down as it was really slippery. I heard a big crack and I knew straight away that I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore. I’m not used to playing on Wimbledon Centre Court. I didn’t have much time to practice before the match and the court definitely looked slippery to me. I was not feeling great. Every time I tried to push on my feet or change direction I was not comfortable with that,” he said. Roger Federer, in the meantime, was in a press conference when he heard that Serena Williams had been compelled to withdraw. He said: “Oh, my God, I can’t believe it. It’s obviously terrible that it’s back-to-back matches and it hits Serena as well. You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down.” Talking about Adrian Mannarino's physical issue, Roger Federer said: “It’s awful, it shows that one shot can change the outcome of a match, a season, or a career. He was the better player so I was a bit lucky.” Roger Federer additionally said he felt the matches being under a rooftop had been a factor. “I do feel it’s drier during the day. With the wind and all that stuff, it takes the moisture out of the grass.” Normally, the elusive grass at Wimbledon has raised a reasonable few eyebrows in the tennis fraternity. Numerous players, including Novak Djokovic, have tumbled to the turf frequently in the wake of losing their balance. Various players had cautioned about the dangerous courts on the first day of the season of the competition, including Novak Djokovic. Although, conditions showed up much more terrible on a subsequent day, especially on Centre Court. What's more, it stays not yet clear if Wimbledon will do anything about their surface from the following edition onwards.

Wimbledon 2021: Back-to-back retirements in matches raise concerns in the tennis fraternity

Roger Federer will start his journey for a record-broadening ninth Wimbledon title when he takes on Adrian Mannarino in the first round at the All England Club on Tuesday.&nbsp;

All things considered, Roger Federer displayed at Roland Garros last month that he stays an awe-inspiring phenomenon in the best-of-five format. His experience permits him to deal with the responsibility insightfully in long matches and furthermore upgrades his shots at retaliating in the event that things don't turn out well for him at first.&nbsp;

Adrian Mannarino is in good structure as well, having recently lost to Sam Querrey in the elimination rounds of the Mallorca Open. He will enter the Championships with a decent measure of match practice added to his repertoire, which will probably play for his potential benefit against a still-corroded Roger Federer.]

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<h3>Head-to-Head</h3>

This will be the seventh time that Roger Federer and Adrian Mannarino battle against one another. The straight-on is 6-0 for Roger Federer, 2-0 on grass. The last time that they bolted horns, Roger Federer won 6-0 7-5 6-4 in the fourth round at Wimbledon back in 2018.&nbsp;

<h3>Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino</h3>

Positioned no. 8, Roger will begin his season at Wimbledon after he played his last match in Halle where he lost 4 6-3 6-2 to Auger Aliassime in the second round on the sixteenth of June.&nbsp;

Roger Federer has a general 5-3 success loss record in 2021, 1-1 on grass. Discussing his general vocation, Roger Federer has a by and large 1162-210 record. He has a positive 177-20 record on the grass.&nbsp;

Positioned no. 41, Adrian Mannarino will begin his spat London after he played his last match in Mallorca where he lost 6-4 6-3 to Sam Querrey in the elimination round on the 25th of June.&nbsp;

Adrian Mannarino has a total 9-17 success loss record in 2021, 4-3 on grass. Adrian Mannarino's best consequence of the momentum season was getting to the elimination round in Mallorca. As far as his vocation, he has an in general 567-431 record. He has a positive 77-49 record on the grass.

<h3>Prediction</h3>

Roger Federer will likewise have his errand cut out while managing Adrian Mannarino's left-hand serve, given his new battles on his return. In any case, the key for him extraordinary, as usual, will be his service; on the off chance that he can be exact enough with that shot, he will probably come up bests eventually.

While Adrian Mannarino isn't the greatest ball-strikers or servers on a visit, the points he can make him a troublesome player to manage. He additionally appreciates playing on grass, offered that it keeps his level chances low.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Roger Federer will start his journey for a record-broadening ninth Wimbledon title when he takes on Adrian Mannarino in the first round at the All England Club on Tuesday.

Roger Federer will start his journey for a record-broadening ninth Wimbledon title when he takes on Adrian Mannarino in the first round at the All England Club on Tuesday. All things considered, Roger Federer displayed at Roland Garros last month that he stays an awe-inspiring phenomenon in the best-of-five format. His experience permits him to deal with the responsibility insightfully in long matches and furthermore upgrades his shots at retaliating in the event that things don't turn out well for him at first. Adrian Mannarino is in good structure as well, having recently lost to Sam Querrey in the elimination rounds of the Mallorca Open. He will enter the Championships with a decent measure of match practice added to his repertoire, which will probably play for his potential benefit against a still-corroded Roger Federer.] ALSO READ: Tennis: Serena Williams to skip Tokyo Games, declines to explain reasons Head-to-Head This will be the seventh time that Roger Federer and Adrian Mannarino battle against one another. The straight-on is 6-0 for Roger Federer, 2-0 on grass. The last time that they bolted horns, Roger Federer won 6-0 7-5 6-4 in the fourth round at Wimbledon back in 2018. Roger Federer vs Adrian Mannarino Positioned no. 8, Roger will begin his season at Wimbledon after he played his last match in Halle where he lost 4 6-3 6-2 to Auger Aliassime in the second round on the sixteenth of June. Roger Federer has a general 5-3 success loss record in 2021, 1-1 on grass. Discussing his general vocation, Roger Federer has a by and large 1162-210 record. He has a positive 177-20 record on the grass. Positioned no. 41, Adrian Mannarino will begin his spat London after he played his last match in Mallorca where he lost 6-4 6-3 to Sam Querrey in the elimination round on the 25th of June. Adrian Mannarino has a total 9-17 success loss record in 2021, 4-3 on grass. Adrian Mannarino's best consequence of the momentum season was getting to the elimination round in Mallorca. As far as his vocation, he has an in general 567-431 record. He has a positive 77-49 record on the grass. Prediction Roger Federer will likewise have his errand cut out while managing Adrian Mannarino's left-hand serve, given his new battles on his return. In any case, the key for him extraordinary, as usual, will be his service; on the off chance that he can be exact enough with that shot, he will probably come up bests eventually. While Adrian Mannarino isn't the greatest ball-strikers or servers on a visit, the points he can make him a troublesome player to manage. He additionally appreciates playing on grass, offered that it keeps his level chances low.

Wimbledon 2021: Roger Federer to lock horns with Adrian Mannarino on Centre Court

Andy Murray exchanged hits with Roger Federer prior on Saturday, sending online media swirling. Addressing Sky Sports after his training meeting with the Swiss maestro, Andy Murray said that the experience was truly cool and that he liked such minutes more now than he did in his pinnacle years.&nbsp;

Both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are Wimbledon legends. While Roger Federer has won a record eight titles at SW19, Andy Murray has lifted the trophy twice.&nbsp;

"Getting to play with Roger was really cool for me. They're the sort of things that probably six, seven years ago I wouldn't have given any thought to it. I would have seen that as just being a practice session pre-major with a top player, and focusing on myself" - he said.

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He likewise revealed that he's been attempting to pump up his practical preparation ahead of his first appearance in singles at the grasscourt Slam since 2017: "I've had some good practices with top players. I would like to have done more. But I'm also trying to manage the physical side as well, which is very important. I want to go into Wimbledon feeling as fresh and as comfortable as possible when I get out there."&nbsp;

In head-to-head Roger Federer holds a 14-11 edge over Andy Murray, however,&nbsp;the two haven't played each other since 2015. Andy Murray conceded during the conversation that he has botched such freedoms to rehearse with the Swiss, fundamentally because of his health issues and fall in the rankings in the course of the most recent few years.&nbsp;

"I'm probably appreciating those things more," the Brit said. "When I take a step back from that, as a tennis fan, getting to play with Roger Federer two days before Wimbledon, it's really great. I haven't had the opportunity to do that sort of stuff much over the last few years. I enjoyed that."

Andy Murray trusts he can in any case rival the world's best players. Although, the three-time Major hero will be scrutinized directly from his initial match at Wimbledon, as he takes on Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round.&nbsp;

Andy Murray is careful about the second-round match with the Georgian, and he has been raising the stakes in his training sessions of late. As well as sharing the court with Roger Federer and has additionally polished with Jannik Sinner among other top-rung players.&nbsp;

"The way that I've been performing in my practices with top players, I'm not going out there and getting whacked," Murray said. "I'm competing well with all of the players that I practiced with. That's a really positive thing for me. That's one of the reasons why I'm sure, if my body holds up, that I can do well, can compete with these guys on the biggest stages."

Andy Murray exchanged hits with Roger Federer prior on Saturday, sending online media swirling. Addressing Sky Sports after his training meeting with the Swiss maestro, Andy Murray said that the experience was truly cool and that he liked such minutes more now than he did in his pinnacle years.

Andy Murray exchanged hits with Roger Federer prior on Saturday, sending online media swirling. Addressing Sky Sports after his training meeting with the Swiss maestro, Andy Murray said that the experience was truly cool and that he liked such minutes more now than he did in his pinnacle years. Both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are Wimbledon legends. While Roger Federer has won a record eight titles at SW19, Andy Murray has lifted the trophy twice. "Getting to play with Roger was really cool for me. They're the sort of things that probably six, seven years ago I wouldn't have given any thought to it. I would have seen that as just being a practice session pre-major with a top player, and focusing on myself" - he said. ALSO READ: I will try to play my best tennis against Novak Djokovic, says Jack Draper He likewise revealed that he's been attempting to pump up his practical preparation ahead of his first appearance in singles at the grasscourt Slam since 2017: "I've had some good practices with top players. I would like to have done more. But I'm also trying to manage the physical side as well, which is very important. I want to go into Wimbledon feeling as fresh and as comfortable as possible when I get out there." In head-to-head Roger Federer holds a 14-11 edge over Andy Murray, however, the two haven't played each other since 2015. Andy Murray conceded during the conversation that he has botched such freedoms to rehearse with the Swiss, fundamentally because of his health issues and fall in the rankings in the course of the most recent few years. "I'm probably appreciating those things more," the Brit said. "When I take a step back from that, as a tennis fan, getting to play with Roger Federer two days before Wimbledon, it's really great. I haven't had the opportunity to do that sort of stuff much over the last few years. I enjoyed that." Andy Murray trusts he can in any case rival the world's best players. Although, the three-time Major hero will be scrutinized directly from his initial match at Wimbledon, as he takes on Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round. Andy Murray is careful about the second-round match with the Georgian, and he has been raising the stakes in his training sessions of late. As well as sharing the court with Roger Federer and has additionally polished with Jannik Sinner among other top-rung players. "The way that I've been performing in my practices with top players, I'm not going out there and getting whacked," Murray said. "I'm competing well with all of the players that I practiced with. That's a really positive thing for me. That's one of the reasons why I'm sure, if my body holds up, that I can do well, can compete with these guys on the biggest stages."

Wimbledon 2021: Getting to practice with Roger Federer was 'really cool', says Andy Murray

Wimbledon returns this year after following a two-year rest attributable in 2020 because of the pandemic, and it's practically similar to we're getting re-familiar with a tragically missing companion. Reigning champ Novak Djokovic and record eight-time victor Roger Federer have been set in inverse parts of the draw.&nbsp;The 2021 Wimbledon Championships is the 134th version of the lofty grass-court Grand Slam. The most recent portion of the competition will run from June 28 to July 11.

Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka obviously didn't track down that re-associate excessively critical, as the two of them chose to avoid the occasion for individual reasons. Dominic Thiem is also sitting out because of injury-related issues while reigning champ Simona Halep is missing because she isn't match-fit at this point.&nbsp;

However, in any case, the Wimbledon men's draw has two out of the three greatest men's stars - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - just as a greater part of the Next-gen and Next-cutting edge stars.

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Men's Singles - Novak Djokovic is the men's singles favourite this year too. Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Roger Federer, and Matteo Berrettini complete the best eight seedings.

Women's Singles - Ashleigh Barty keeps on holding the top seeding in the ladies' division. The main eight additionally incorporate Simona Halep, Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina, Sofia Kenin, Bianca Andreescu, Serena Williams, and Iga Swiatek.

<h3>Men's Draws</h3>

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will take on Britain's Jack Draper in the first round.

Roger Federer will dispatch his bid for the 21st Slam against France's Adrian Mannarino. The Swiss could meet Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round before a potential quarterfinal conflict against second seed Daniil Medvedev.&nbsp;

Daniil Medvedev, looking for his first Slam, faces Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round. The Russian could meet previous US Open boss Marin Cilic in the third round and possibly Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth.&nbsp;

Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas opens against American Frances Tiafoe and could confront Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals, while fourth seed Alexander Zverev is projected to take on Matteo Berrettini in the last eight.&nbsp;

Two-time Wimbledon champion&nbsp;Andy Murray, a special case contestant this time, will bolt horns with 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round and could meet Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the third round.

<h3>Women's Draws</h3>

On the women's side, favourite Ashleigh Barty will start her journey for a first Wimbledon singles title against Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro. Ashleigh Barty could meet previous US Open hero Bianca Andreescu in the quarterfinals.&nbsp;

Bianca Andreescu opens her mission against Alize Cornet in a rematch of their last-16 experience at Berlin recently.&nbsp;

Serena Williams, seeded seventh this year, will proceed with her mission for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title with a first-round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Williams could then meet Angelique Kerber, who beat her in 2018 last, in the third round, and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in the last eight.&nbsp;

Ashleigh Barty and Serena Williams are in a similar half and could go head to head in the elimination rounds.&nbsp;

In other first-round women's singles matches, two times Wimbledon victor Petra Kvitova takes on previous US Open hero Sloane Stephens, and recently delegated French Open boss Barbora Krejcikova faces Denmark's rising star Clara Tauson.&nbsp;

In the interim, five-time Wimbledon singles champion Venus Williams, additionally a trump card participant this year, will take on Mihaela Buzarnescu in the first round.

Wimbledon returns this year after following a two-year rest attributable in 2020 because of the pandemic, and it's practically similar to we're getting re-familiar with a tragically missing companion.

Wimbledon returns this year after following a two-year rest attributable in 2020 because of the pandemic, and it's practically similar to we're getting re-familiar with a tragically missing companion. Reigning champ Novak Djokovic and record eight-time victor Roger Federer have been set in inverse parts of the draw. The 2021 Wimbledon Championships is the 134th version of the lofty grass-court Grand Slam. The most recent portion of the competition will run from June 28 to July 11. Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka obviously didn't track down that re-associate excessively critical, as the two of them chose to avoid the occasion for individual reasons. Dominic Thiem is also sitting out because of injury-related issues while reigning champ Simona Halep is missing because she isn't match-fit at this point. However, in any case, the Wimbledon men's draw has two out of the three greatest men's stars - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - just as a greater part of the Next-gen and Next-cutting edge stars. ALSO READ: Tennis: Novak Djokovic to play teenager Jack Draper as Wimbledon returns Men's Singles - Novak Djokovic is the men's singles favourite this year too. Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Roger Federer, and Matteo Berrettini complete the best eight seedings. Women's Singles - Ashleigh Barty keeps on holding the top seeding in the ladies' division. The main eight additionally incorporate Simona Halep, Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina, Sofia Kenin, Bianca Andreescu, Serena Williams, and Iga Swiatek. Men's Draws World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will take on Britain's Jack Draper in the first round. Roger Federer will dispatch his bid for the 21st Slam against France's Adrian Mannarino. The Swiss could meet Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round before a potential quarterfinal conflict against second seed Daniil Medvedev. Daniil Medvedev, looking for his first Slam, faces Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round. The Russian could meet previous US Open boss Marin Cilic in the third round and possibly Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth. Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas opens against American Frances Tiafoe and could confront Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals, while fourth seed Alexander Zverev is projected to take on Matteo Berrettini in the last eight. Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, a special case contestant this time, will bolt horns with 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first round and could meet Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the third round. Women's Draws On the women's side, favourite Ashleigh Barty will start her journey for a first Wimbledon singles title against Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro. Ashleigh Barty could meet previous US Open hero Bianca Andreescu in the quarterfinals. Bianca Andreescu opens her mission against Alize Cornet in a rematch of their last-16 experience at Berlin recently. Serena Williams, seeded seventh this year, will proceed with her mission for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title with a first-round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Williams could then meet Angelique Kerber, who beat her in 2018 last, in the third round, and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in the last eight. Ashleigh Barty and Serena Williams are in a similar half and could go head to head in the elimination rounds. In other first-round women's singles matches, two times Wimbledon victor Petra Kvitova takes on previous US Open hero Sloane Stephens, and recently delegated French Open boss Barbora Krejcikova faces Denmark's rising star Clara Tauson. In the interim, five-time Wimbledon singles champion Venus Williams, additionally a trump card participant this year, will take on Mihaela Buzarnescu in the first round.

Tennis: All you need to know Wimbledon 2021 men's and women's singles draws

For Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2021 will not only be the last Grand Slam he contests before celebrating the "big four-oh" but also a chance to put behind him the memory of his 2019 heartbreak at the grasscourt major.

The Swiss has held aloft the gilded Challenge Cup a record eight times. But equally memorably, he lost a chance to win a ninth title in 2019 when he astonishingly failed to convert two championship points against Novak Djokovic.

That near-miss prevented him from winning a record-extending 21st Grand Slam title, and since then a combination of injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic have conspired to curtail his on-court action.

When Wimbledon's favorite son walks out on the manicured lawns next week, he will be hoping his surgically repaired knees can deal with the rigors of winning seven best-of-five-set matches.

Exactly how Federer, who turns 40 in August, will be able to cope with such demands on his body is something that even he does not know because, since that fifth-set tiebreak loss to Djokovic in July 2019, he has played only 34 matches, including just eight since February 2020.

Before injuries started disrupting his career in 2016, Federer regularly contested more than 70 matches a year.

"It’s a huge challenge for me. Everybody who has multiple surgeries or a tough surgery knows what I’m talking about,” said Federer, who had left knee surgery in 2016 on a torn meniscus before going under the knife twice in 2020 on his right knee.

"Things don’t come easy. You second-guess yourself... and that’s sometimes the biggest worry: the worry of pain or the worry of how you’re going to feel the next day or when you wake up.

"All this stuff, it takes a little bit of a toll on you sometimes."

His lack of match-fitness will be severely tested not only by the Djokovics of this world -- who incidentally will be eager to flatten anyone who tries to stop him from joining Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 majors -- but also by an army of younger and fitter players.

The likes of 20-somethings Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev no longer fear facing Federer and have beaten the Swiss great on multiple occasions.

Federer has made no secret that at this stage of his career, anything he does or does not do on a&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;court is done with the sole purpose of making sure he is in the best shape possible to make another title run at Wimbledon.

With that in mind, he quit the French Open after winning his third-round match. It was a move that annoyed many critics who felt that if anyone else had pulled out to protect their body, they would have been crucified for using another Grand Slam tournament as a dress rehearsal.

Others rushed to defend the world number eight.

"Roger has earned the right to do anything he wants in&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;right now,” American great Chris Evert said.

"Wimbledon is his dream, that’s the golden tournament for him. He should be excused for any withdrawal he has."

Fellow ESPN analyst John McEnroe said the bigger concern was that: "He played a four-hour match, won that, then defaulted. It's hard to say how he was feeling that next day if he could have gone on?"

Fast forward a few days and a second-round defeat on the grass in Halle, the earliest exit Federer has suffered in 18 appearances at the Wimbledon-warm-up event he has won 10 times, was a further setback caused by what the Swiss described as a "negative attitude".

However, with his focus clearly on equalling Martina Navratilova's overall record of nine Wimbledon titles, as Eurosport pundit Mats Wilander put it: "He'll be as fired up as the Rolling Stones playing at Wembley."

For Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2021 will not only be the last Grand Slam he contests before celebrating the "big four-oh" but also a chance to put behind him the memory of his 2019 heartbreak at the grasscourt major.

For Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2021 will not only be the last Grand Slam he contests before celebrating the "big four-oh" but also a chance to put behind him the memory of his 2019 heartbreak at the grasscourt major. The Swiss has held aloft the gilded Challenge Cup a record eight times. But equally memorably, he lost a chance to win a ninth title in 2019 when he astonishingly failed to convert two championship points against Novak Djokovic. That near-miss prevented him from winning a record-extending 21st Grand Slam title, and since then a combination of injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic have conspired to curtail his on-court action. When Wimbledon's favorite son walks out on the manicured lawns next week, he will be hoping his surgically repaired knees can deal with the rigors of winning seven best-of-five-set matches. Exactly how Federer, who turns 40 in August, will be able to cope with such demands on his body is something that even he does not know because, since that fifth-set tiebreak loss to Djokovic in July 2019, he has played only 34 matches, including just eight since February 2020. Before injuries started disrupting his career in 2016, Federer regularly contested more than 70 matches a year. "It’s a huge challenge for me. Everybody who has multiple surgeries or a tough surgery knows what I’m talking about,” said Federer, who had left knee surgery in 2016 on a torn meniscus before going under the knife twice in 2020 on his right knee. "Things don’t come easy. You second-guess yourself... and that’s sometimes the biggest worry: the worry of pain or the worry of how you’re going to feel the next day or when you wake up. "All this stuff, it takes a little bit of a toll on you sometimes." His lack of match-fitness will be severely tested not only by the Djokovics of this world -- who incidentally will be eager to flatten anyone who tries to stop him from joining Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 majors -- but also by an army of younger and fitter players. The likes of 20-somethings Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev no longer fear facing Federer and have beaten the Swiss great on multiple occasions. Federer has made no secret that at this stage of his career, anything he does or does not do on a tennis court is done with the sole purpose of making sure he is in the best shape possible to make another title run at Wimbledon. With that in mind, he quit the French Open after winning his third-round match. It was a move that annoyed many critics who felt that if anyone else had pulled out to protect their body, they would have been crucified for using another Grand Slam tournament as a dress rehearsal. Others rushed to defend the world number eight. "Roger has earned the right to do anything he wants in tennis right now,” American great Chris Evert said. "Wimbledon is his dream, that’s the golden tournament for him. He should be excused for any withdrawal he has." Fellow ESPN analyst John McEnroe said the bigger concern was that: "He played a four-hour match, won that, then defaulted. It's hard to say how he was feeling that next day if he could have gone on?" Fast forward a few days and a second-round defeat on the grass in Halle, the earliest exit Federer has suffered in 18 appearances at the Wimbledon-warm-up event he has won 10 times, was a further setback caused by what the Swiss described as a "negative attitude". However, with his focus clearly on equalling Martina Navratilova's overall record of nine Wimbledon titles, as Eurosport pundit Mats Wilander put it: "He'll be as fired up as the Rolling Stones playing at Wembley."

Tennis: All roads lead to Wimbledon for Roger Federer

Roger Federer played his first match on grass in almost two years when he took on Ilya Ivashka in the first round of the 2021 Noventi Open. Roger Federer was corroded toward the beginning and furthermore gave a few indications of nerves, however ultimately came through 7-6 (4), 7-5.&nbsp;

After his success over the Belarusian, Roger Federer emphasized his long-standing craving to excel at Wimbledon. As indicated by World No. 8, even an early loss at Halle wouldn't hurt him a lot as it would permit him one more week of training.&nbsp;

"We're all in the same boat. Roger Federer said. Everyone else hasn't played on the grass either for the last couple of years. My goals for Wimbledon are clearly quite high. But if it doesn't work out in Halle, I have another week's practice" - he said.

It was a lethargic beginning for Roger Federer in Halle, as Ilya Ivashka several breaks focuses on the Swiss' subsequent assistance round of the match. In any case, Federer saved those for certain opportune first serves and didn't confront any more break focuses the remainder of the way.&nbsp;

In his post-match presser, Roger Federer additionally communicated his joy at playing a close-perfect sudden death round, which he won 7-4. As indicated by him, winning the tie-breaker round assisted him with discovering some self-control and mitigate his nerves.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/outrageous-czech-republics-patrik-schick-scores-goal-of-euro-2020-contender-against-scotland-watch-391449" hreflang="en">Outrageous! Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scores goal of Euro 2020 contender against Scotland - Watch</a>

"I had a tough moment in the first set when he had a breakpoint so that was crucial to get out of those and then I played a really good tiebreaker which I was happy about. I think as the match went on I started to create more opportunities and started to calm my nerves a little bit; overall I think I served very well" - he added.

Roger Federer likewise asserted there is some opportunity to get better in his game, and that his back - known to foster infrequent distress on grass - felt fine. World No. 8 called attention to that at this stage, it is essential to construct match fitness and test his knees.&nbsp;

"Clearly it can always be a little better but I'm happy and excited that I was able to get through the first one. The back is good, I feel fine from that standpoint. It's just really the legs and the match fitness that I'm looking forward to and getting through breakers" - he asserted.

After his success over Ilya Ivashka, he communicated his failure at the absence of fans yet asserted he was satisfied to stamp his re-visitation of grass with a success.&nbsp;

"I love playing here. The very little crowd is a bit of a disappointment for all of us but at the same time I'm excited to be back on the green grass and getting a win is always very nice" - he concluded.

Roger Federer played his first match on grass in almost two years when he took on Ilya Ivashka in the first round of the 2021 Noventi Open. Roger Federer was corroded toward the beginning and furthermore gave a few indications of nerves, however ultimately came through 7-6 (4), 7-5.

Roger Federer played his first match on grass in almost two years when he took on Ilya Ivashka in the first round of the 2021 Noventi Open. Roger Federer was corroded toward the beginning and furthermore gave a few indications of nerves, however ultimately came through 7-6 (4), 7-5. After his success over the Belarusian, Roger Federer emphasized his long-standing craving to excel at Wimbledon. As indicated by World No. 8, even an early loss at Halle wouldn't hurt him a lot as it would permit him one more week of training. "We're all in the same boat. Roger Federer said. Everyone else hasn't played on the grass either for the last couple of years. My goals for Wimbledon are clearly quite high. But if it doesn't work out in Halle, I have another week's practice" - he said. It was a lethargic beginning for Roger Federer in Halle, as Ilya Ivashka several breaks focuses on the Swiss' subsequent assistance round of the match. In any case, Federer saved those for certain opportune first serves and didn't confront any more break focuses the remainder of the way. In his post-match presser, Roger Federer additionally communicated his joy at playing a close-perfect sudden death round, which he won 7-4. As indicated by him, winning the tie-breaker round assisted him with discovering some self-control and mitigate his nerves. ALSO READ: Outrageous! Czech Republic's Patrik Schick scores goal of Euro 2020 contender against Scotland - Watch "I had a tough moment in the first set when he had a breakpoint so that was crucial to get out of those and then I played a really good tiebreaker which I was happy about. I think as the match went on I started to create more opportunities and started to calm my nerves a little bit; overall I think I served very well" - he added. Roger Federer likewise asserted there is some opportunity to get better in his game, and that his back - known to foster infrequent distress on grass - felt fine. World No. 8 called attention to that at this stage, it is essential to construct match fitness and test his knees. "Clearly it can always be a little better but I'm happy and excited that I was able to get through the first one. The back is good, I feel fine from that standpoint. It's just really the legs and the match fitness that I'm looking forward to and getting through breakers" - he asserted. After his success over Ilya Ivashka, he communicated his failure at the absence of fans yet asserted he was satisfied to stamp his re-visitation of grass with a success. "I love playing here. The very little crowd is a bit of a disappointment for all of us but at the same time I'm excited to be back on the green grass and getting a win is always very nice" - he concluded.

Tennis: My goals for Wimbledon are clearly quite high: Roger Federer after winning Halle opener

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time".

Federer initially eyed a return at this year's Australian Open a year after exiting the 2020 Grand Slam at the semi-final stage, but slow progress in his recovery delayed his comeback.

He played his first match back at the Qatar Open but said he was targeting full fitness for the grasscourt season and wants to reach his peak by Wimbledon, where he has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles.

"I probably would have taken the place I am today," the 39-year-old, who pulled out from the French Open last week to protect his body after a grueling third-round win, told reporters on Friday.

"March was still very early days for my comeback but I just felt like it was a good time to come back. I thought that Doha actually went extremely well overall because I know my expectations were close to zero over there. So I'm happy I was able to play two competitive matches over there.

"Ever since I've only seen improvement, no setbacks. After I guess the two operations I have to be extremely careful with every move I do. But now it's really gone time. This is essentially where the season really hopefully starts for me."

Since pulling out of Roland Garros, Federer had his first hit on Thursday at the ATP 500 event at the German city of Halle, where he has won 10 titles.

The Swiss said he had low-intensity practice for 30 minutes but felt his body had recovered from the rigors of the claycourt Grand Slam in Paris.

"The knee just needs always extra care, and I hope it's also going to react well to the grass," he said, adding that he feels "all my strengths get amplified" when he plays on grass.

"I'm going to probably push a little bit more in practice this afternoon or maybe tomorrow, just to get the body ready for the grass courts, and I hope I have no negative reactions.

"I'm pretty positive about my chances... I'm confident that somehow I'll be fine in the coming days. But of course, I want to stay injury-free. That's the most important (thing) right now."

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time".

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time". Federer initially eyed a return at this year's Australian Open a year after exiting the 2020 Grand Slam at the semi-final stage, but slow progress in his recovery delayed his comeback. He played his first match back at the Qatar Open but said he was targeting full fitness for the grasscourt season and wants to reach his peak by Wimbledon, where he has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles. "I probably would have taken the place I am today," the 39-year-old, who pulled out from the French Open last week to protect his body after a grueling third-round win, told reporters on Friday. "March was still very early days for my comeback but I just felt like it was a good time to come back. I thought that Doha actually went extremely well overall because I know my expectations were close to zero over there. So I'm happy I was able to play two competitive matches over there. "Ever since I've only seen improvement, no setbacks. After I guess the two operations I have to be extremely careful with every move I do. But now it's really gone time. This is essentially where the season really hopefully starts for me." Since pulling out of Roland Garros, Federer had his first hit on Thursday at the ATP 500 event at the German city of Halle, where he has won 10 titles. The Swiss said he had low-intensity practice for 30 minutes but felt his body had recovered from the rigors of the claycourt Grand Slam in Paris. "The knee just needs always extra care, and I hope it's also going to react well to the grass," he said, adding that he feels "all my strengths get amplified" when he plays on grass. "I'm going to probably push a little bit more in practice this afternoon or maybe tomorrow, just to get the body ready for the grass courts, and I hope I have no negative reactions. "I'm pretty positive about my chances... I'm confident that somehow I'll be fine in the coming days. But of course, I want to stay injury-free. That's the most important (thing) right now."

Tennis: It's 'go time' for Federer, 39, with favoured grasscourt season about to begin

Former world number one Andy Murray said 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer made a "sensible decision" to withdraw from the French Open to protect his body after two knee operations and opt to focus his efforts on Wimbledon.

Federer, 39, decided to end his Roland Garros campaign on Sunday, a day after winning a grueling third-round match against Dominik Koepfer.

Eight-time Wimbledon winner Federer, who has hardly played in the last 17 months because of a knee injury, had been due to face Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini in the French Open on Monday.

Replying to a tweet from a user who said Federer was "disrespectful" to other players for "using" the French Open to gain fitness, Murray said: "In basketball, football, etc when returning from injury players are given reduced minutes to build up their fitness.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-roger-federer-withdraws-from-french-open-389826">Tennis: Roger Federer withdraws from French Open</a>

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Id argue that it’s quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches etc. Sensible decision from him
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/1401619163492331526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"In&nbsp;tennis, you don't have that luxury of just playing a set in the first match then 2 sets the next, etc, and building up that way.

"I'd argue that it's quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches, etc."

Federer's decision sparked mixed reactions, with seven-time French Open winner Chris Evert saying the Swiss had earned the right to do so, while former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe said he understood Federer's reasoning, but it was not a good look.

Former world number one Andy Murray said 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer made a "sensible decision" to withdraw from the French Open to protect his body after two knee operations and opt to focus his efforts on Wimbledon.

Former world number one Andy Murray said 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer made a "sensible decision" to withdraw from the French Open to protect his body after two knee operations and opt to focus his efforts on Wimbledon. Federer, 39, decided to end his Roland Garros campaign on Sunday, a day after winning a grueling third-round match against Dominik Koepfer. Eight-time Wimbledon winner Federer, who has hardly played in the last 17 months because of a knee injury, had been due to face Italian ninth seed Matteo Berrettini in the French Open on Monday. Replying to a tweet from a user who said Federer was "disrespectful" to other players for "using" the French Open to gain fitness, Murray said: "In basketball, football, etc when returning from injury players are given reduced minutes to build up their fitness. ALSO READ: Tennis: Roger Federer withdraws from French Open Id argue that it’s quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches etc. Sensible decision from him — Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 6, 2021 × "In tennis, you don't have that luxury of just playing a set in the first match then 2 sets the next, etc, and building up that way. "I'd argue that it's quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches, etc." Federer's decision sparked mixed reactions, with seven-time French Open winner Chris Evert saying the Swiss had earned the right to do so, while former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe said he understood Federer's reasoning, but it was not a good look.

Tennis: Andy Murray backs Roger Federer's decision to pull out of French Open

Roger Federer has said he will assess his further participation in the ongoing French Open after a gruelling 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 7-5 win over Germany's Dominik Koepfer on an empty Court Philippe Chatrier in Saturday's night match.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion was competing in only his sixth match in 17 months following knee surgery and suggested after the third-round clash which ended past midnight that he could preserve himself for Wimbledon which begins on June 28.

Asked how much he would want to push himself through the whole tournament, the 39-year-old Swiss told reporters: "We go through these matches... we analyse them highly and look on what's next and we'll do the same tonight and tomorrow.

"Because I need to decide if I keep on playing or not or is it not too much risk at this moment to keep pushing or is this just a perfect way to just take a rest.

"Because I don't have the week in between here and Halle (June 14-20), like normal, to see what's best now if you count back from Wimbledon and so forth.

"It's just a lot going on, but having a match like this, knowing I could have probably played a fifth set but not knowing how I will wake up tomorrow is interesting, to say the least. Yeah, it's definitely a different time right now for me."

Federer, who faces Matteo Berrettini for a place in the quarter-finals where he could potentially meet world number one Novak Djokovic, said he would have liked to know he is at his best like Djokovic or holder Rafa Nadal.

"... I would prefer to be in Rafa's or Novak's shoes right now where they're like, 'I'm feeling good. If I'm playing well, I'm winning'," Federer said.

"I don't have that feeling right now, so for me these are all stepping stones... to something that is really important to me. It's the season and it's the comeback. I need matches like these, you know."

Roger Federer has said he will assess his further participation in the ongoing French Open after a gruelling 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 7-5 win over Germany's Dominik Koepfer on an empty Court Philippe Chatrier in Saturday's night match.

Roger Federer has said he will assess his further participation in the ongoing French Open after a gruelling 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 7-5 win over Germany's Dominik Koepfer on an empty Court Philippe Chatrier in Saturday's night match. The 20-times Grand Slam champion was competing in only his sixth match in 17 months following knee surgery and suggested after the third-round clash which ended past midnight that he could preserve himself for Wimbledon which begins on June 28. Asked how much he would want to push himself through the whole tournament, the 39-year-old Swiss told reporters: "We go through these matches... we analyse them highly and look on what's next and we'll do the same tonight and tomorrow. "Because I need to decide if I keep on playing or not or is it not too much risk at this moment to keep pushing or is this just a perfect way to just take a rest. "Because I don't have the week in between here and Halle (June 14-20), like normal, to see what's best now if you count back from Wimbledon and so forth. "It's just a lot going on, but having a match like this, knowing I could have probably played a fifth set but not knowing how I will wake up tomorrow is interesting, to say the least. Yeah, it's definitely a different time right now for me." Federer, who faces Matteo Berrettini for a place in the quarter-finals where he could potentially meet world number one Novak Djokovic, said he would have liked to know he is at his best like Djokovic or holder Rafa Nadal. "... I would prefer to be in Rafa's or Novak's shoes right now where they're like, 'I'm feeling good. If I'm playing well, I'm winning'," Federer said. "I don't have that feeling right now, so for me these are all stepping stones... to something that is really important to me. It's the season and it's the comeback. I need matches like these, you know."

Tennis: Roger Federer to assess further participation at Roland Garros

Swiss ace Roger Federer on Sunday announced his withdrawal from the French Open despite reaching the fourth round while saying that he is opting to focus on winning the Wimbledon title. <o:p></o:p>

fter discussions with my team, I've decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today," the 39-year-old said.<o:p></o:p>

"After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it's important that I listen to my body and make sure I don't push myself too quickly on my road to recovery.<o:p></o:p>

"I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court."<o:p></o:p>

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, battled over three and a half hours to reach the round of 16 as he defeated 59th-ranked Dominik Koepfer. Federer was scheduled to take on Matteo Berrettini on Monday to play the quarter-finals.<o:p></o:p>

However, with two knee surgeries in 2020, the Swiss tennis star is only playing his third tournament since the Australian Open 2020. It is likely that this was Federer’s final appearance in Roland Garros.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/athletics-sifan-hassan-sets-new-womens-10000m-world-record-389821" hreflang="en">Athletics: Sifan Hassan sets new women's 10,000m world record</a>

<o:p></o:p>

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<a href="https://t.co/70C8RYr69J">pic.twitter.com/70C8RYr69J</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1401547332999692294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He is chasing a ninth title at Wimbledon which starts on June 28. <o:p></o:p>

"The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night," said Guy Forget, the tournament director. <o:p></o:p>

"We were all delighted to see Roger back in Paris, where he played three high-level matches. We wish him all the best for the rest of the season."<o:p></o:p>

After winning his match, Federer said that he was pacing himself in his recovery.<o:p></o:p>

"All the matches I've played since the injury are information for the rest of the season," he added.<o:p></o:p>

"It gives me great pleasure to be able to play 3hr 30min at a high level against a very good player. It shows that I'm on the right track."<o:p></o:p>

Swiss ace Roger Federer on Sunday announced his withdrawal from the French Open despite reaching the fourth round while saying that he is opting to focus on winning the Wimbledon title.

Swiss ace Roger Federer on Sunday announced his withdrawal from the French Open despite reaching the fourth round while saying that he is opting to focus on winning the Wimbledon title. fter discussions with my team, I've decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today," the 39-year-old said. "After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it's important that I listen to my body and make sure I don't push myself too quickly on my road to recovery. "I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court." Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, battled over three and a half hours to reach the round of 16 as he defeated 59th-ranked Dominik Koepfer. Federer was scheduled to take on Matteo Berrettini on Monday to play the quarter-finals. However, with two knee surgeries in 2020, the Swiss tennis star is only playing his third tournament since the Australian Open 2020. It is likely that this was Federer’s final appearance in Roland Garros. ALSO READ: Athletics: Sifan Hassan sets new women's 10,000m world record pic.twitter.com/70C8RYr69J — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 6, 2021 × He is chasing a ninth title at Wimbledon which starts on June 28. "The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night," said Guy Forget, the tournament director. "We were all delighted to see Roger back in Paris, where he played three high-level matches. We wish him all the best for the rest of the season." After winning his match, Federer said that he was pacing himself in his recovery. "All the matches I've played since the injury are information for the rest of the season," he added. "It gives me great pleasure to be able to play 3hr 30min at a high level against a very good player. It shows that I'm on the right track."

Tennis: Roger Federer withdraws from French Open

With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday.

The 39-year-old Swiss had made his first-round win over Denis Istomin look like an exhibition match as he enjoyed a comfortable return to the Grand Slam area for the first time since losing in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2020.

Former U.S. Open champion Cilic, however, was a different proposition in the second round.

The big-hitting Croatian leveled the match at one set apiece and then came from a break down to push Federer into a third-set tiebreak - the outcome of which always looked like being pivotal to the contest.

Federer's response scotched any fears that he might be vulnerable in the heat of battle.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion smoothly pressed the accelerator to take the tiebreak and outclassed Cilic in the fourth set to claim a 6-2 2-6 7-6(4) 6-2 win.

"A very good match for me, I thought," 2009 champion Federer who is making only his second appearance at the French Open since 2015, told reporters.

"The good thing, I feel like I come out of a match like this and I know why it was up and down. And then that I was able to attain a solid level once he did break back in the third set and things were looking dangerous for me, that I was able to step up a gear, stay with him, and then pull away.

"I was able to almost find another gear, which he couldn't, and I think that was very nice for me. So I'm very happy."

Federer, who underwent knee surgery last year, has earmarked Wimbledon as his main target.

But with Germany's 59th-ranked Dominik Koepfer up next, he looks in the mood to make a run into the second week here - although with 13-time French Open winner Rafa Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic in his half, even his most optimistic fans will be amazed if Federer won the title.

"I hope I can back it up with hopefully another good match," Federer said when asked about his physical condition. "Whatever the outcome is, I know it was definitely the right choice to come here to Paris."

With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday.

With so few matches in the tank over the past 17 months, Roger Federer knew the first big test of where his game was at would likely come against Marin Cilic on Thursday. The 39-year-old Swiss had made his first-round win over Denis Istomin look like an exhibition match as he enjoyed a comfortable return to the Grand Slam area for the first time since losing in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2020. Former U.S. Open champion Cilic, however, was a different proposition in the second round. The big-hitting Croatian leveled the match at one set apiece and then came from a break down to push Federer into a third-set tiebreak - the outcome of which always looked like being pivotal to the contest. Federer's response scotched any fears that he might be vulnerable in the heat of battle. The 20-time Grand Slam champion smoothly pressed the accelerator to take the tiebreak and outclassed Cilic in the fourth set to claim a 6-2 2-6 7-6(4) 6-2 win. "A very good match for me, I thought," 2009 champion Federer who is making only his second appearance at the French Open since 2015, told reporters. "The good thing, I feel like I come out of a match like this and I know why it was up and down. And then that I was able to attain a solid level once he did break back in the third set and things were looking dangerous for me, that I was able to step up a gear, stay with him, and then pull away. "I was able to almost find another gear, which he couldn't, and I think that was very nice for me. So I'm very happy." Federer, who underwent knee surgery last year, has earmarked Wimbledon as his main target. But with Germany's 59th-ranked Dominik Koepfer up next, he looks in the mood to make a run into the second week here - although with 13-time French Open winner Rafa Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic in his half, even his most optimistic fans will be amazed if Federer won the title. "I hope I can back it up with hopefully another good match," Federer said when asked about his physical condition. "Whatever the outcome is, I know it was definitely the right choice to come here to Paris."

Tennis: Roger Federer happy to find higher gear against Marin Cilic

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;if the competitions are played without spectators.

Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions.

"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity,"

"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic

Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided.

"I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it,"

"But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran.

Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule.

"If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there,"

"So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer and world number two Daniil Medvedev all said they were keen to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but added their decision could change in the coming weeks. Speaking ahead of his opening round Roland Garros match on Monday (May 31), Djokovic revealed that he might consider skipping the Olympics if the competitions are played without spectators. Foreign spectators have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8, and under what conditions. "I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," "If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go and I'm very excited about that," said Djokovic Federer, who claimed a comfortable 6-2 6-4 6-3 first-round win over qualifier Denis Istomin, admitted his dream is to attend the Games but is still undecided. "I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world. My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it," "But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, and my country. So, I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months," added the Swiss veteran. Meanwhile, Medvedev, off the back of a first-ever match win at the Paris slam, said he was excited to compete in Tokyo, but would be wary if there was a 14-day quarantine period rule. "If you have to quarantine for 14 days in the room, I want to tell you nobody from tennis will go there," "So far from what I know, you can come there five days before the tournament, get used to the jet lag, get used to conditions and if these conditions stay, I think many people will go."

Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev give their Olympic verdict

World number one Novak Djokovic said on Monday that he might consider skipping the Tokyo Olympics if the two-week sporting festival takes place without spectators.

Roger Federer also sounded less than sure if he would compete in Tokyo, following his return to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Monday.

Foreign visitors have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8., and under what conditions.

"I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," Djokovic told reporters on the eve of his 2021 French Open debut.

"If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go, and I'm very excited about that."

Federer, for whom an Olympic singles gold has remained elusive, said he was waiting to see how things develop.

"I don't know, I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world that we wouldn't even have to debate the thought of is it going to happen, am I going to play or not?" he told reporters after beating Denis Istomin in the first round.

"My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it. But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, my country. I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months."

Russian Daniil Medvedev, the world number two, sounded upbeat about playing at the Olympics for the first time.

"It's going to be my first Olympic Games. We have a great team so we can do some doubles, mixed doubles, everything," he said. "Going to be an amazing experience. Of course, with COVID maybe it's not going to be the same as every year."

World number one Novak Djokovic said on Monday that he might consider skipping the Tokyo Olympics if the two-week sporting festival takes place without spectators.

World number one Novak Djokovic said on Monday that he might consider skipping the Tokyo Olympics if the two-week sporting festival takes place without spectators. Roger Federer also sounded less than sure if he would compete in Tokyo, following his return to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Monday. Foreign visitors have already been banned and organizers are expected to make a decision next month on whether Japanese fans will be able to attend the Games, set to run between July 23 and Aug. 8., and under what conditions. "I'm planning to play the Olympic Games for now. As I heard, there's going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20%, 30% of the capacity," Djokovic told reporters on the eve of his 2021 French Open debut. "If they change something, if there's not going to be any crowd, then I'll consider if I want to go or not. Right now I am planning to go, and I'm very excited about that." Federer, for whom an Olympic singles gold has remained elusive, said he was waiting to see how things develop. "I don't know, I feel two ways. I would love to play. I wish things were better around the world that we wouldn't even have to debate the thought of is it going to happen, am I going to play or not?" he told reporters after beating Denis Istomin in the first round. "My wish and hope and dream is that I can play it. But it needs to make sense for me, my team, my family, my country. I'm still waiting to see how things are going to develop in the next couple of weeks and months." Russian Daniil Medvedev, the world number two, sounded upbeat about playing at the Olympics for the first time. "It's going to be my first Olympic Games. We have a great team so we can do some doubles, mixed doubles, everything," he said. "Going to be an amazing experience. Of course, with COVID maybe it's not going to be the same as every year."

Tennis: Novak Djokovic says Olympics bid depends on fans presence, Roger Federer unsure

Former world No-1 Roger Federer lost to clay court specialist Pablo Andujar&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;in his first comeback match in two months at the Geneva Open.

Federer, 39, lost to Spain's&nbsp;Andujar 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. It was the Swiss legends first defeat on home soil in seven and a half years.

"I know my limitations at the moment," Federer said, adding, "People expect a lot from me and I have high expectations for myself. So when I walk out of a match and feel I could have played so much better, it feels strange and it's disappointing."

Federer's defeat is being seen as a big blow in his preparation ahead of the French Open which starts on May 30.

The Swiss great had few answers against the world number 75 as he struggled with his serve. &nbsp;Andujar, 35, who has won four clay court titles kept up the pressure on Federer never allowing him to settle down.

Federer was last seen at the Doha Open in March where he won his first match before losing the second while making a comeback after a long&nbsp;injury layoff.

Andujar took full advantage of a rusty Federer as the world no-8 failed to keep pace.

The Spaniard matched Federer although he lost the second set but broke back to level the third set at 4-4 and then held on to go 5-4 ahead sealing the match as Federer sent a forehand wide.

Former world No-1 Roger Federer lost to clay court specialist Pablo Andujar on Tuesday in his first comeback match in two months at the Geneva Open. Federer, 39, lost to Spain's Andujar 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Former world No-1 Roger Federer lost to clay court specialist Pablo Andujar on Tuesday in his first comeback match in two months at the Geneva Open. Federer, 39, lost to Spain's Andujar 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. It was the Swiss legends first defeat on home soil in seven and a half years. "I know my limitations at the moment," Federer said, adding, "People expect a lot from me and I have high expectations for myself. So when I walk out of a match and feel I could have played so much better, it feels strange and it's disappointing." Federer's defeat is being seen as a big blow in his preparation ahead of the French Open which starts on May 30. The Swiss great had few answers against the world number 75 as he struggled with his serve. Andujar, 35, who has won four clay court titles kept up the pressure on Federer never allowing him to settle down. Federer was last seen at the Doha Open in March where he won his first match before losing the second while making a comeback after a long injury layoff. Andujar took full advantage of a rusty Federer as the world no-8 failed to keep pace. The Spaniard matched Federer although he lost the second set but broke back to level the third set at 4-4 and then held on to go 5-4 ahead sealing the match as Federer sent a forehand wide.

'People expect a lot from me': Federer falls to Spain's Andujar at Geneva Open

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete.

The&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic.

But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas.

"Honestly I don't know what to think. I'm a bit between the two," Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday.

"I would love to play in the&nbsp;Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn't happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand.

"I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen?

"At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it's a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there's a lot of resistance, maybe it's better not to go. I don't know."

A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days and was submitted to organizers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;should go ahead.

Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis, and 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo.

Japan's top-ranked women's and men's tennis players - Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori - also added their voice to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

"I'm glad that I could do it, with all the traveling I do," said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems.

"Even if I'm staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don't want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful.

"We're very careful with the family and with our friends."

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on Olympics organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete.

Tennis great Roger Federer has called on Olympics organizers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20-times Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete. The Olympics are set to run from July 23 to Aug. 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic. But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas. "Honestly I don't know what to think. I'm a bit between the two," Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday. "I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn't happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand. "I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen? "At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it's a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there's a lot of resistance, maybe it's better not to go. I don't know." A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days and was submitted to organizers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the Olympics should go ahead. Rafa Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis, and 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo. Japan's top-ranked women's and men's tennis players - Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori - also added their voice to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the Olympics amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed. Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. "I'm glad that I could do it, with all the traveling I do," said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems. "Even if I'm staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don't want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful. "We're very careful with the family and with our friends."

Roger Federer calls for end to Tokyo Games uncertainty

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29.

Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai.&nbsp;

The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009.

He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago.

Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field.

Roger Federer is set to play his first match on clay in almost two years at next month's Madrid Open, after he was confirmed for the event Tuesday. The 39-year-old was listed among the players to have registered for the May 2-9 tournament in the Spanish capital, with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal also in the 56-man field. The event runs alongside the women's competition, which begins on April 29. Federer recently returned to action at the Qatar Open in Doha after 13 months out following two knee surgeries last year. He was beaten in his second match and promptly withdrew from Dubai. The Swiss has won just one of his 20 majors on clay, taking the Roland Garros title in 2009. He has appeared at just one of the past five French Opens, reaching the semi-finals two years ago. Federer hasn't won a tour clay title since Istanbul in 2015; his most recent Masters triumph on the surface was Madrid in 2012.

Federer poised for clay return in Madrid

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week&nbsp;to August 8, 2021,&nbsp;&nbsp;the day Federer turns 40. And, the people taking the lead are the Swiss parliamentarians.

The nation is keen to honour the legend and former world No. 1 by giving a gift, which no country in the world would have given its sporting hero. It all started in the Swiss Parliament where several lawmakers launched an initiative on social media to honour Federer in its own unique way. Soon, the move gained momentum among his legion of fans and very soon it became the talking point of the nation of more than eight million. 
 
This is not the first time the European country is planning to shower affection and gratitude on the tennis great. Switzerland made a grand gesture in Federer's honour when he became the first living person to receive a Swiss stamp after the 2007 Wimbledon triumph. And in 2020, when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Federer received his own 20-franc silver coin from Swissmint. 
 
Now the 39-year-old player in the twilight of his career, Federer's achievement might again be recognised one more time with the National Day being postponed by a week. While the founding of the Swiss Confederacy is celebrated on August 1, this year it could be moved to August 8, to coincide with the eight-time Wimbledon champion's birthday. 
 
Even as the move gains momentum, Federer, currently world No. 6 on ATP, is busy charting his return to ATP Tour action after a knee surgery. And, then he also plans to take a shot at Olympic glory in Tokyo.

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week to August 8, 2021, the day Federer turns 40.

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week to August 8, 2021, the day Federer turns 40. And, the people taking the lead are the Swiss parliamentarians. The nation is keen to honour the legend and former world No. 1 by giving a gift, which no country in the world would have given its sporting hero. It all started in the Swiss Parliament where several lawmakers launched an initiative on social media to honour Federer in its own unique way. Soon, the move gained momentum among his legion of fans and very soon it became the talking point of the nation of more than eight million. This is not the first time the European country is planning to shower affection and gratitude on the tennis great. Switzerland made a grand gesture in Federer's honour when he became the first living person to receive a Swiss stamp after the 2007 Wimbledon triumph. And in 2020, when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Federer received his own 20-franc silver coin from Swissmint. Now the 39-year-old player in the twilight of his career, Federer's achievement might again be recognised one more time with the National Day being postponed by a week. While the founding of the Swiss Confederacy is celebrated on August 1, this year it could be moved to August 8, to coincide with the eight-time Wimbledon champion's birthday. Even as the move gains momentum, Federer, currently world No. 6 on ATP, is busy charting his return to ATP Tour action after a knee surgery. And, then he also plans to take a shot at Olympic glory in Tokyo.

Switzerland could shift its national day to Roger Federer's birthday

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open.

The 39-year-old was knocked out of the Doha event by world number 42 Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, squandering a match point in the deciding set.

"It's been great to be back on the @atptour, loved every minute playing in Doha once again," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam title winner.

"A big thank you to the best and loyal team that helped me get here. I've decided it's best to go back to training and as a result, I've decided to withdraw from Dubai next week."

Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and was playing his first tournament since a semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020.

He had needed three sets to see off Britain's Dan Evans in his first match in Qatar on Wednesday.

Federer has already said he will skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month.

That would likely mean the Swiss veteran will play again on the European clay court swing which begins in April.

Earlier Thursday, Federer's long-time rival Rafael Nadal, also the holder of 20 majors, said he had turned down a wild card invitation to the Dubai event as he recovers from a back injury.

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open.

Roger Federer on Thursday withdrew from next week's Dubai ATP tournament, claiming "it's best to go back to training" as his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines ended after two matches at the Qatar Open. The 39-year-old was knocked out of the Doha event by world number 42 Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, squandering a match point in the deciding set. "It's been great to be back on the @atptour, loved every minute playing in Doha once again," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam title winner. "A big thank you to the best and loyal team that helped me get here. I've decided it's best to go back to training and as a result, I've decided to withdraw from Dubai next week." Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and was playing his first tournament since a semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020. He had needed three sets to see off Britain's Dan Evans in his first match in Qatar on Wednesday. Federer has already said he will skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month. That would likely mean the Swiss veteran will play again on the European clay court swing which begins in April. Earlier Thursday, Federer's long-time rival Rafael Nadal, also the holder of 20 majors, said he had turned down a wild card invitation to the Dubai event as he recovers from a back injury.

Roger Federer withdraws from Dubai after Qatar exit

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Federer, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, won the toss and elected to serve first after joking with the umpire about the rules of the game.

He received a rapturous welcome from the 20 percent-capacity crowd at Doha's Khalifa Tennis Complex, beaming back at the crowd.

The 39-year-old initially pulled ahead winning his service game which was tempered by Evans also winning his opening service game.

Federer hasn't played a match since a semi-final defeat by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020 and acknowledged it was unusual for a player of his age to return after injury.

"I know it's on the rare side for a 40-year-old to come back after a year out," he said at a media briefing in the Qatari capital Doha Sunday.

"I feel there is still something -- retirement was never really on the cards."

While he was out of action, he saw Rafael Nadal equal his record Grand Slam title haul with a 13th Roland Garros triumph.

Djokovic, meanwhile, captured a ninth Australian Open last month to take his career Slam tally to 18.

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha.

Roger Federer played his first match for over a year Wednesday as the Swiss 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to take on British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open in Doha. Federer, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, won the toss and elected to serve first after joking with the umpire about the rules of the game. He received a rapturous welcome from the 20 percent-capacity crowd at Doha's Khalifa Tennis Complex, beaming back at the crowd. The 39-year-old initially pulled ahead winning his service game which was tempered by Evans also winning his opening service game. Federer hasn't played a match since a semi-final defeat by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020 and acknowledged it was unusual for a player of his age to return after injury. "I know it's on the rare side for a 40-year-old to come back after a year out," he said at a media briefing in the Qatari capital Doha Sunday. "I feel there is still something -- retirement was never really on the cards." While he was out of action, he saw Rafael Nadal equal his record Grand Slam title haul with a 13th Roland Garros triumph. Djokovic, meanwhile, captured a ninth Australian Open last month to take his career Slam tally to 18.

Roger Federer plays first match for over a year

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime,&nbsp;Australian John Millman,&nbsp;South African Kevin Anderson,&nbsp;Briton Andy Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brazilian Bruno Soares.

In addition,&nbsp;France's Gilles Simon&nbsp;returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers&nbsp;Pablo Andujar&nbsp;of Spain and&nbsp;New Zealander Marcus Daniell&nbsp;will serve their first term.

Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively.

The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021.

It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic.

But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making.

Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022. The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, Australian John Millman, South African Kevin Anderson, Briton Andy Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares. In addition, France's Gilles Simon returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers Pablo Andujar of Spain and New Zealander Marcus Daniell will serve their first term. Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively. The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021. It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic. But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making. Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said.

Tony Godsick — Federer’s long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 — said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for him, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year’s first major tennis tournament.

The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive match at the season-opening Grand Slam in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later required a second operation.

The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Federer, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told organisers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him. 
However, his agent Tony Godsick said Federer was not quite ready to return.

"Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness.

"However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open."

Godsick added that he was looking to build a playing calendar for Federer from late February.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year`s event.

"In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he`s very disappointed he won`t be coming to Melbourne in 2021," Tiley said in a statement.

"We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022."

Federer has been an ever-present at Melbourne Park since his first appearance when he lost in qualifying in 1999.

He has made 15 trips to the semi-finals and won the last of his six Melbourne titles in 2018.

Federer made the semis earlier this year, losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said.

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said. Tony Godsick — Federer’s long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 — said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for him, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year’s first major tennis tournament. The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive match at the season-opening Grand Slam in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later required a second operation. The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Federer, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told organisers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him. However, his agent Tony Godsick said Federer was not quite ready to return. "Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. "However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open." Godsick added that he was looking to build a playing calendar for Federer from late February. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year`s event. "In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he`s very disappointed he won`t be coming to Melbourne in 2021," Tiley said in a statement. "We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022." Federer has been an ever-present at Melbourne Park since his first appearance when he lost in qualifying in 1999. He has made 15 trips to the semi-finals and won the last of his six Melbourne titles in 2018. Federer made the semis earlier this year, losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic. (With inputs from agencies)

Roger Federer out of Australian Open after knee surgery but planning 2021 return: Agent

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning.

All the world's top players have signed on, led by world number ones Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty.

There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery.

But he has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park as he targets a seventh title.

US superstar Williams, who like Federer turns 40 next year, is also committed as she once again attempts to pull level with Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Her last triumph at the majors came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant.

"There are so many great storylines for AO 2021," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"Serena is gunning for her eighth title while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is going for a record ninth title.&nbsp;

"Our own world No.1 Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer as he comes back from injury."

The opening Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8.

All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, during which they will constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble.

"Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year."

The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights.

A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation.

Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7.

Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely.

Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney last week has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning. All the world's top players have signed on, led by world number ones Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty. There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery. But he has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park as he targets a seventh title. US superstar Williams, who like Federer turns 40 next year, is also committed as she once again attempts to pull level with Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion. Her last triumph at the majors came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant. "There are so many great storylines for AO 2021," said Tiley. "Serena is gunning for her eighth title while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is going for a record ninth title. "Our own world No.1 Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer as he comes back from injury." The opening Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8. All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, during which they will constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble. "Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority," said Tiley. "We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year." The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights. A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation. Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7. Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely. Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney last week has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-likely-to-be-delayed-by-two-weeks-345238">Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks</a>

Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list.&nbsp;

“Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect.

“In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council.

“It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.”&nbsp;

However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.&nbsp;

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis. Also read: Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list. “Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect. “In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council. “It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.” However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic. Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.

Swiss ace Roger Federer accused of 'changing ranking system to protect himself'

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-daniil-medvedev-beats-rafael-nadal-in-a-thrilling-semi-finals-clash-344715" hreflang="en">ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash</a>

Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments.

"We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement.

"We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon."

Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals.

Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January.

They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead.

Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday.

"Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said.

"Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government."

The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January&nbsp;18.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read: ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments. "We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement. "We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon." Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals. Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January. They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead. Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday. "Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said. "Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government." The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January 18.

Organisers optimistic for Australian Open despite coronavirus measures

Novak Djokovic retained his world no. 1 title despite a shocking defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in Vienna last week after the ATP announced its latest rankings on Monday.

Novak Djokovic retained his world no. 1 title despite a shocking defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in Vienna last week after the ATP announced its latest rankings on Monday. Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. The Serbian ace has spent 293 weeks as No.1 as compared to Swiss' record of 310. Djokovic returned to the field to play in Austria after suffering a crushing defeat by the hand of Rafael Nadal. The 17-time Grand Slam winner is virtually guaranteed to equal Pete Sampras's record of securing a year-ending top ranking for the sixth time with second-placed Rafael Nadal unlikely to play at Sofia this month. Sonegro witnessed a rise in ranks after stunning Djokovic last week. He is at a career-best of 32nd. ATP rankings as of November 2: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11830 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9850 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 9125 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 6630 5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5980 (+1) 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5925 (-1) 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5015 8. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 3839 9. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 3285 10. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 3075 11. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2860 12. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 2830 13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2710 14. David Goffin (BEL) 2555 15. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2400 16. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2400 17. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2265 18. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2260 (+2) 19. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2245 (-1) 20. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 2230 (-1)

Novak Djokovic remains World no. 1 despite Vienna shocker as ATP announces latest rankings

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer.&nbsp;

The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views. The girls became online stars and gave several interviews after the video went viral.&nbsp;

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The girls thought that they were in another interview when they were asked about their favourite player.&nbsp;

13-year-old Vittoria was quick to respond and said: "Roger Federer. If I were to meet him, I would jump on him, or I would be starstruck." 11-year-old Carola said that she would want Federer's elegance while playing and Rafael Nadal's power.&nbsp;

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From a rooftop match that went viral to meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a>. 
 
Just incredible to see 💖<a href="https://t.co/LuozuHYJiT">pic.twitter.com/LuozuHYJiT</a>
— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1289215441328537602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But the girls were left stunned when Roger Federer came out from behind a curtain.&nbsp;

The Times quoted Vittoria, who said that she nearly fainted when he showed up.&nbsp;

The 20-time Grand Slam champion then played some rooftop tennis with the girls before having lunch with them.

"He figured out the distances pretty fast and started playing shots between his legs from one roof to another, which was amazing." Vittoria said.

"I didn't think he was real. I thought it was a mannequin," she added.&nbsp;

Federer said: "Personally, for me, that was a very special moment in my career as a tennis player to surprise a fan, or children, like I was able to with Carola and Vittoria today."

Swiss also told the girls that he had arranged for them to go to a summer camp in an academy run by Rafael Nadal.&nbsp;

"I have played in many cool places around the world, but this one is definitely up there for me as a special experience. We showed that we can play anywhere and have fun with it," he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views.

Two Italian girls whose rooftop tennis video during virus lockdown went viral received a surprise visit from Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. The video showing Vittoria Oliveri and Carola Pessina's rooftop rally garnered over 10 million views. The girls became online stars and gave several interviews after the video went viral. The girls thought that they were in another interview when they were asked about their favourite player. 13-year-old Vittoria was quick to respond and said: "Roger Federer. If I were to meet him, I would jump on him, or I would be starstruck." 11-year-old Carola said that she would want Federer's elegance while playing and Rafael Nadal's power. From a rooftop match that went viral to meeting @rogerfederer. Just incredible to see 💖pic.twitter.com/LuozuHYJiT — ATP Tour (@atptour) July 31, 2020 × But the girls were left stunned when Roger Federer came out from behind a curtain. The Times quoted Vittoria, who said that she nearly fainted when he showed up. The 20-time Grand Slam champion then played some rooftop tennis with the girls before having lunch with them. "He figured out the distances pretty fast and started playing shots between his legs from one roof to another, which was amazing." Vittoria said. "I didn't think he was real. I thought it was a mannequin," she added. Federer said: "Personally, for me, that was a very special moment in my career as a tennis player to surprise a fan, or children, like I was able to with Carola and Vittoria today." Swiss also told the girls that he had arranged for them to go to a summer camp in an academy run by Rafael Nadal. "I have played in many cool places around the world, but this one is definitely up there for me as a special experience. We showed that we can play anywhere and have fun with it," he added.

Watch: Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer surprises 'rooftop tennis' girls

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year.

Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles.&nbsp;

Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year.

"Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-event-taught-us-to-be-cautious-french-open-director-311144" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director</a>

"But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week.

"Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year."

Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court.&nbsp;

"Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said.

"It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection.

"We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-raninder-singh-hosting-bilateral-events-only-option-to-keep-olympic-team-sharp-310550" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp</a>

The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus.

The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24.

The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary. 
&nbsp;

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021.

Roger Federer on Monday said that he is “missing” Wimbledon after the iconic Grand Slam was cancelled. However, the Swiss maestro hopes to play the tournament in the year 2021. The 38-year-old had earlier announced that the will not take to the court until next year after undergoing two knee surgeries this year. Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II due to COVID-19 pandemic and this week was supposed to be the second week of the grass-court Grand Slam, where Federer has lifted a record eight men’s singles titles. Federer said that he is preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year as he wishes to play Wimbledon next year. "Personally, it has been very pleasant to stay in the same place for a long time, I hadn't experienced that for more than 25 years," Federer said at the launch of the "Roger Center Court". ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's event taught us to be cautious: French Open director "But of course I miss Wimbledon, of course, I would like to be there currently playing on Centre Court for a place in the second week. "Clearly, one of my big goals, and that's why I do recovery work every day and work so hard, and why I'm preparing for a 20-week physical preparation block this year, is because I hope to play at Wimbledon next year." Federer added that the COVID-19 lockdown has given him the chance to heal properly following the surgeries but said he will have to be patient in a bid to return back to the court. "Combined with my operations, it was an important moment for me, (to know) if I wanted to continue," he said. "It's very easy to say but it's a long way to come back, you have to be patient, it also was a time for reflection. "We were in the mountains, isolated, we didn't see anyone, I didn't see my parents for almost three months, we were very serious and strict." ALSO READ: WION Exclusive| Raninder Singh: Hosting bilateral events only option to keep Olympic team sharp The ATP and WTA Tours are set to commence in August despite many pro-tennis players having contracted the dreaded virus. The US Open is set to be the first Grand Slam following the resumption of tennis and will be played behind closed doors in New York on August 31. However, fans will be allowed to attend the Roland Garros on September 24. The Swiss icon will also hope to bag the Olympic singles gold for the first time at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, with the final to be played a week before his 40th birth anniversary.

Roger Federer 'missing' Wimbledon but aiming to be back in 2021

The much delayed generational shift in men's tennis could finally happen on resumption of the tour says tennis legend Daniel Nestor. The 12-time Grand Slam champion believes it will take Federer, Nadal and Djokovic some time to adapt to the rigours of playing five set matches.

WION Broadband Edition: Daniel Nestor opens up on the road ahead for Tennis

12-time Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi believes that the cancellation of Wimbledon will hit Roger Federer and Serena Williams the most as they approach the final years of their careers. In an exclusive conversation with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Bhupathisaid that he believes that the current lockdown due to the coronavirus will have larger ramifications when it comes to the battle for the greatest tennis player of all time between Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Heartbroken at Wimbledon cancellation 'virus rewriting history books in tennis' | Mahesh Bhupathi

This year's tennis has faced massive setback after being on halt for almost all season due to coronavirus pandemic. But according to tennis legend Boris Becker, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the worst-affected due to the halt in games.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-possible-after-monsoons-can-live-without-spectators-before-normalcy-bcci-ceo-rahul-johri-300136" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 possible after monsoons:BCCI CEO Rahul Johri</a>

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the biggest icons in the tennis. Swiss ace Federer leads the men's list by winning 20 grand slams, whereas, Spaniard Rafael Nadal stands second and has won 19 grand slams.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2021-last-option-for-tokyo-games-says-olympics-chief-300125" hreflang="en">2021 'last option' for Tokyo Games, says Olympics chief</a>

Becker feels that these icons have faced a heavy impact due to the cancellation of the games. He said: “The jury is out on which of the top tennis stars will suffer most from what could become a lost year."

“Nadal has won the French 12 times. He had a chance to equal Roger Federer there and that's something everybody probably thought would be possible, but now that's not happening,” Becker said.

38-year-old Federer will turn 39 in August, he is currently nursing a knee injury. But his age could make the matters worst.&nbsp;

“We know Roger Federer defies the odds, but he will be reaching 40 next year and he won't get any younger,” Becker added.

This year's tennis has faced massive setback after being on halt for almost all season due to coronavirus pandemic. But according to tennis legend Boris Becker, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the worst-affected due to the halt in games.

This year's tennis has faced massive setback after being on halt for almost all season due to coronavirus pandemic. But according to tennis legend Boris Becker, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the worst-affected due to the halt in games. Also read: IPL 2020 possible after monsoons:BCCI CEO Rahul Johri Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the biggest icons in the tennis. Swiss ace Federer leads the men's list by winning 20 grand slams, whereas, Spaniard Rafael Nadal stands second and has won 19 grand slams. Also read: 2021 'last option' for Tokyo Games, says Olympics chief Becker feels that these icons have faced a heavy impact due to the cancellation of the games. He said: “The jury is out on which of the top tennis stars will suffer most from what could become a lost year." “Nadal has won the French 12 times. He had a chance to equal Roger Federer there and that's something everybody probably thought would be possible, but now that's not happening,” Becker said. 38-year-old Federer will turn 39 in August, he is currently nursing a knee injury. But his age could make the matters worst. “We know Roger Federer defies the odds, but he will be reaching 40 next year and he won't get any younger,” Becker added.

Nadal and Federer to lose the most during the pandemic shutdown: Boris Becker

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose&nbsp;an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association.&nbsp;

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Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252922285096423424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The men's division in the game is headed by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) whereas the women's division is headed by Women's Tennis Association (WTA).&nbsp;

The 20-time Grand Slam winner said that "probably should have happened."&nbsp;

Roger Federer posted a series of tweets elaborating&nbsp;his proposal&nbsp; as he&nbsp;said: "We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body."

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It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time. 
These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body. <a href="https://t.co/30SbbAla5g">https://t.co/30SbbAla5g</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252931040399839233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours."

"It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories."

The American tennis legend Billie Jean King was one of the first to voice his support to Federer's idea, he said: "The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen."

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I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. 
 
The WTA on its own was always Plan B. 
 
I’m glad we are on the same page. 
 
Let’s make it happen. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneVoice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneVoice</a> <a href="https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v">https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v</a>
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1252953431414919168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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King played a major role in the creation of WTA.&nbsp;

Federer's long-time on-pitch rival and 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal too joined the movement. He said: "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation."

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Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation 🎾👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G">https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G</a>
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1252957445342846978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Many leading ladies in the game came forward to support Roger Federer's idea. These ladies included Simona Halep and Serena Williams.&nbsp;

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Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1252922285096423424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tennis has been on a halt since early March due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Players have been on a social media spree ever since and have shared various videos of them training or enjoying life with their loved ones.&nbsp;

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer on Wednesday took to Twitter to propose an idea for a merger of the men's and women's association. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one? — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × The men's division in the game is headed by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) whereas the women's division is headed by Women's Tennis Association (WTA). The 20-time Grand Slam winner said that "probably should have happened." Roger Federer posted a series of tweets elaborating his proposal as he said: "We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body." It probably should have happened a long time ago, but maybe now is really the time. These are tough times in every sport and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body. https://t.co/30SbbAla5g — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours." "It's too confusing for the fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories." The American tennis legend Billie Jean King was one of the first to voice his support to Federer's idea, he said: "The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen." I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis. The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen. #OneVoice https://t.co/FHbQHLiY6v — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 22, 2020 × King played a major role in the creation of WTA. Federer's long-time on-pitch rival and 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal too joined the movement. He said: "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation." Hey @rogerfederer as you know per our discussions I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in one only organisation 🎾👍🏻 https://t.co/fTCfvMiU4G — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 22, 2020 × Many leading ladies in the game came forward to support Roger Federer's idea. These ladies included Simona Halep and Serena Williams. Just wondering…..am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one? — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 22, 2020 × Tennis has been on a halt since early March due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. Players have been on a social media spree ever since and have shared various videos of them training or enjoying life with their loved ones.

Roger Federer proposes 'merger' of tennis associations, support pours in

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