Ivan Ljubicic provides positive updates on Roger Federer's recovery

Roger Federer started to work with Ivan Ljubicic back in 2016, losing in the final in Brisbane to Milos Raonic and the semi-final of the Australian Open to Novak Djokovic. On February 3, the Swiss had to undergo arthroscopic left knee surgery, returning in Monte Carlo and playing only seven tournaments that year as he had to skip all the action after the semi-final loss to Milos Raonic at Wimbledon. Ljubicic was there to wait, eager to improve Roger's game and lead him in another assault on Major trophies. Backed by Severin Luthi, Roger and Ivan did a perfect job in 2017, with the Swiss lifting two Major titles (his first since 2012) and embracing a 54-5 run to become world no. 2 and the age of 36 and Rafael Nadal's biggest rival.

After seven trophies in 2017, Roger claimed four in the next two years, defending the crown in Melbourne in 2018 and staying in contention for the most notable titles despite being one of the oldest players left on the Tour. With an improved backhand, Federer was capable of battling against any rival out there, becoming world no. 1 again in 2018 under the guidance of Ivan Ljubicic who knew how to improve the Swiss' game and lead him towards the ATP throne again. After another reliable performance in 2019 that had kept him in the top-3, Federer reached the semi-final at the Australian Open this January before announcing a knee surgery that will keep him away from the court until Halle in June, missing Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami and Roland Garros.

Just like in 2016, Ljubicic is patiently waiting for his player to return, traveling to Switzerland and spending time with Roger in his first days of recovery. The Croat has shared some positive vibes with Federer's fans, saying the healing procedure is going fine at the moment, expecting to see Roger on the practice court as soon as possible. Federer will stay in the top-10 once he makes a return in June, hoping to hit the winning course already in Halle and Wimbledon and fight for the big titles again despite turning 39 in August.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2IntUuH