'It felt really like Roger Federer was there', says WTA star

The news that Roger Federer will undergo a new knee operation left everyone speechless. Many predicted a forfeit of him at the US Open, but no one could have imagined that the Swiss phenomenon would come under the knife for the third time in the last year and a half. The former world number 1 has sent a message of hope to his fans, but the chances of seeing him competitive again on the tour are now slim. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was also forced to give up the Tokyo Olympics, which were his main goal of the season alongside Wimbledon. King Roger should have played the double with compatriot Belinda Bencic, author of a splendid ride in singles. The current number 11 WTA won the gold medal at the end of a memorable week, which will give her a special place in the history of Swiss tennis. Bencic and Federer had participated in the Hopman Cup from 2017 to 2019, lifting the trophy in two consecutive editions (2018 and 2019) thanks to the claims on Germany of Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber.

Bencic opens up on Roger Federer

Earlier today, the 24-year-old took questions ahead of the Cincinnati Open. During the press conference, Belinda Bencic was asked which congratulatory message meant the most to her after Tokyo. Along with her family, she admitted Roger Federer’s message made her happy. She said, “I think just family and friends have been really important. I feel like I’ve called really the most important ones right away after the match. “I was super happy of course about Roger’s messages, his kind of happiness about my success. It was really sweet from him. It felt really like he was there, as well. Obviously, of course, all the family, my former coach I called, thanked her.” Switzerland's Fed Cup captain Heinz Gunthardt believes we have not seen the last of Roger Federer on a tennis court. According to Gunthardt, Federer performed quite well in most of his matches following his comeback and, as such, would be motivated to make another return to the tour after his third knee surgery. "(Roger Federer opting for another surgery has nothing to do with) not being able to let go," Gunthardt said. “It's only difficult when you have a choice to make. At the moment he sees no alternative because of his knee and accepts that. On day X, when he is training again and sees whether and how stony the way to a high level will be."

 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3AWfRp2