'The only really significant record that Roger Federer can go is...', says analyst

After missing almost the entire 2020 season, Roger Federer is expected to make his return to the field at the Australian Open in 2021. The Swiss phenomenon has undergone two surgeries on his right knee and is currently recovering, but the signs that come from his physique convey a cautious optimism. In the meantime, the former world number 1 had to suffer the hook of eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 20 Grand Slams, after the Spaniard won Roland Garros for the 13th time in his career. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic has guaranteed the mathematical certainty of ending the season at the top of the ATP rankings for the sixth time, thus equaling his idol Pete Sampras. Thanks to the new ranking system caused by the pandemic, the Serbian has a very good chance of staying in the lead at least until March and breaking Federer's all-time record of weeks. According to expert Catherine Whitaker, there is only one record that the 39-year-old could still aim for. We are talking about Jimmy Connors' 109 titles, although Roger would have to raise seven more trophies to secure this record.

Whitaker on Roger Federer

During an interview, tennis analyst Catherine Whitaker talked about the ultimate record which Roger Federer could achieve. Whitaker suggested that there’s a slight possibility that the former World No. 1 might take part in lower-tier events in pursuit of Connors’ record. However, with Federer turning 40 next year, adding seven titles to his tally would be a tough task. “The only really significant record that Federer can go for that the other two are very unlikely to get … is the all-time titles currently held by Jimmy Connors… Could you imagine if we see him entering a behind-closed-doors Sofia this time next year. If he thinks ‘right, my exit strategy is …just forget it, I’ll just go for that 110 titles’, Sofia here I come,” said Whitaker. Roger Federer’s recovery from a knee injury is going well and the Swiss great expects to be able to play a “big” Australian Open, his coach Ivan Ljubicic says. Federer, 39, has not played a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final, since when the Covid-19 pandemic and surgery has sidelined him. “He is in the recovery phase and I would say that things are going in the best way,” Croatian Ljubicic said in an interview with website OKtennis.it on Friday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is yet to clarify his schedule for next year but has committed to playing the Australian Open. “I certainly can’t tell today what we will do in April. I know we want to leave as soon as possible, play a big Australian Open and then evaluate step by step. “It is important to go step by step and observe rest periods. As we have always done.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2IxtZj0