'I went with Roger Federer to be there for him', says former Top 10

Roger Federer a few weeks ago had his fans worried but in general all those who love tennis saying that he could not train for more than two hours. The Australian Open is far away, but not too far because in two months it is already January, the month in which the first Grand Slam tournament of the season is played. And this year, the Australian trip must be prepared in advance - because the government of that country imposes a 14-day quarantine on everyone who arrives in that country. Those words of the Swiss had, unfortunately, fueled so many rumors which, however, were denied by the former world number 1 who in an interview declared that retirement is not in his plans and is still a long way off. In this 2020 Roger played only one tournament, the Australian Open. He epically won against Millman in the round of 16 - who was two points from the match several times - and Sandgren in the quarterfinals, the American had numerous matchpoints. In the semifinal Federer surrendered to Djokovic in three sets. Now the champion aims to officially return to the field at the Australian Open in 2021, even if he knows very well that nothing is taken for granted. Peter Carter was the first and most influential coach of 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer. Carter died in a car accident in 2002, nearly a year before Federer won his first Major title. In an interview with Blick, Marc Rosset, who retired from the professional game in 2005, talked Roger Federer's state in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

Marc Rosset on Roger Federer

"I was at the funeral of Roger Federer's coach Peter Carter and saw how much Roger suffered - he was destroyed," Marc Rosset said. Rosset also revealed that he accompanied Federer when the latter paid a visit to Carter's parents. The meeting took place during the Davis Cup tie between Switzerland and Australia in Melbourne. "When Roger Federer was in Melbourne for the Davis Cup, he wanted to visit Carter's parents. I went with him to be there for him - that's normal among friends. And I hope that a few people will do this for me too, if I need it," Rosset said. "You have to go through such moments, they are more formative than an Olympic victory. If you win a medal, you are happy and everyone congratulates you, okay. But grief triggers more intense emotions," Rosset added.

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