Roger Federer: 'Sometimes the first steps in a new direction are uncomfortable'

It is not yet known when Roger Federer will return to the court. Of course, the Swiss phenomenon will not compete in either the US Open or Roland Garros 2020, also thanks to the double operation on his right knee to which he underwent in recent months. As had already happened in 2016, the 20-time Grand Slam champion intends to return only when he is in top form, perhaps hoping to repeat the incredible exploit of 2017. On the occasion of an advertisement for Credit Suisse, the Basel veteran, considered by many the greatest ever, he admitted that he often received questions about his retirement from tennis. In 2021 Federer has already targeted Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics, both of which have been lost this year due to the Coronavirus emergency. In a recent interview, Severin Luthi confided that Roger could play another tournament before the Australian Open.

Federer on a positive mindset

“It is not just my skill and technique on the court that is important, it is also the mindset, my purpose, and the people I have surrounded myself with, all play a part in my success,” Roger Federer said. “It all started very early at the age of 11 I decided to pursue tennis. I made it my purpose at 14. If I could go back and tell my younger self then that all the loneliness and isolation would be worth it. But I also think the situation gave me the drive to succeed, sometimes the first steps in a new direction are uncomfortable and having the confidence to do so is something that is so important for success, it’s not always success though along the way you will face ups and downs.” Federer said. “You need to have the ability to be comfortable with failure and to learn from it. 2001 was that for me and it did make me question whether I had missed my chance coming back two years later and win my first Grand Slam at Wimbledon really showed me how important a positive mindset was,” he added. No other male tennis player has won 20 major singles titles in the Open Era, and he has been in 31 major finals, including 10 in a row. He has held the world No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings for longer than any other male player. He was ranked No. 1 at the age of 36 and has won a record eight Wimbledon titles. He won five consecutive US Open titles, which is the most in the Open Era.

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