'I'm curious to see how much Roger Federer can push', says top coach

Lots of fans are looking forward to the 2021 Australian Open to celebrate the return of Roger Federer. The Swiss phenomenon only played in the Happy Slam this year, deciding to have surgery on his right knee to resolve an injury. Unfortunately, the former world number 1 needed an additional operation which prompted him to close his 2020 early so as not to force his recovery time. According to what was declared by Severin Luthi and by Federer himself in recent weeks, the rehabilitation would be proceeding in the best way this time, fueling the hopes of seeing him on the field in Melbourne in just over two months. Speaking with the website Oktennis.it, the coach of the 20 times Slam champion Ivan Ljubicic provided some more details on the conditions of Roger, who was able to benefit from the new ranking system to maintain the fourth ATP position.

Ljubicic on Roger Federer

“Roger Federer is in the recovery phase, I would say that things are going in the best way,” Ivan Ljubicic said. "He trains more and more and better, I'm curious to see how much we can push in the coming months,” Ljubicic continued. "The program we had in mind to date has been fully respected. There is a lot of trust. Talking about programs is now premature,” Ljubicic asserted. “I certainly cannot say today what we will do in April. I know we want to leave as soon as possible, play a great Australian Open and then evaluate step by step. He doesn't set fixed limits,” Ljubicic said. “I hope for a long time, of course.” Ljubicic has formed his own company called the LJ Sports Group, which has recently taken Matteo Berrettini under its wing. “Before being the coach, I have been a great friend to Roger for many years,” Ljubicic explained. “There is no problem and there will never be, between us. My job is and remains to be Roger Federer's coach,” Ljubicic said. “However, during the COVID-19 break, I decided to start this new company. It is an activity that I had always done on my own, but now there are new partners with me, we intend to grow and structure ourselves even better." The closest the Swiss superstar has come to another Grand Slam win since his 20th Major at the 2018 Australian Open, was at Wimbledon last year. He had the match in his grasp before Novak Djokovic‘s incredible comeback denied the ‘King of Grass’. If Federer is presented with the opportunity again, it is crucial for him to take it this time. He is no longer the only holder of most Grand Slams, and he will aim to shake things up again to regain his lead.

 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38ilfrM