Roger Federer: 'It will be a very interesting step not to work on something and...'

In just over a week, Roger Federer will turn 39. Despite still being competitive at very high levels, as shown by the final reached last year at Wimbledon, the Swiss champion is no longer able to make long-term plans. The former World number 1 has only played in the Australian Open this year, in addition to the charity performance with Rafael Nadal in Cape Town which set the new spectator record for a tennis match. The 38-year-old from Basel underwent two operations on his right knee in an attempt to resolve an injury that had been plaguing him for a few months. In a long interview with SRF in recent days, the eight-time Wimbledon champion admitted that his professional career is always close to an end.

Federer opens up on retirement

“It is already clear that I am at the end of my career,” Roger Federer told SRFSports. “I cannot say what will be in two years. “That’s why I plan year after year. I’m still happy right now. But when the cogwheels don’t grip anymore, I stop. When I am old, I will surely play tennis. But no longer train but just ‘ball’. It will be a very interesting step not to always work on something and only to play with colleagues.” Federer won gold for Switzerland in the doubles at Beijing 2008 then was beaten by Andy Murray in the singles final four years later on Wimbledon's Centre Court. And he revealed he is desperate to get his hands on another medal at next summer's rearranged Games. The Swiss Maestro added: "Olympics are always special. I'm excited to see what Tokyo will be like and hope the Games can take place in 2021. Of course I want a medal there. No matter whether in singles, doubles or mixed. I'm not there yet. If you have been on the tour for 20 years, you are happy to have a quieter year. The right preparation starts about three months before the Games - you don't think about it beforehand." Meanwhile, the ATP and WTA have announced the autumn swing in China will not take place after the government ruled no international sporting events can take place for the remainder of the year due to the continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the ATP Tour, the Shanghai Masters, the China Open, the Chengdu Open and Zhuhai Championships will not be going ahead. While on the WTA Tour, the impact is more significant with seven events cancelled.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2X94Q2w