Andrey Rublev: 'I'm keen to see Roger Federer's progress once he returns'

Twelve months ago, when he was asked about the player to watch in 2020, Roger Federer picked the young Russian Andrey Rublev. The 20-time champion wasn't wrong, as Andrey lifted the Tour-leading five ATP titles in the season behind us, counting to 41 ATP wins and securing the year-end top-10 spot. Staying healthy, the Russian competed on a high level at the beginning of the season and again when it started again in August. Andrey won three ATP 500 titles in September and October and played in consecutive Major quarter-finals, earning enough points to secure the ATP Finals berth for the first time. On the other hand, Roger Federer experienced the shortest season of his career, playing only at the Australian Open and undergoing two knee surgeries in February and May. Speaking about Roger, Andrey said he would follow his return closely and learn from his moves, as he also wants to play well after turning 30, just like the Swiss.

Turning 38 in August 2019, Federer was still among the players to beat, winning four ATP titles and wasting two match points in the Wimbledon final versus Novak Djokovic. Roger closed the previous season in the top-3 behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, hoping for more in 2020 and starting the season at the Australian Open. Federer had to work hard to survive until the semi-final, passing two challenging obstacles to show his greatness and determination. In the third round, Federer came from 8-4 down in the deciding tie break against John Millman, with an even tougher test coming two matches later.

Andrey Rublev will follow Roger Federer's return next season.

In the quarters, Roger saved seven match points versus Tennys Sandgren in the fourth set, prevailing in five sets and making a good start against Novak Djokovic in the semis before falling in three sets. That turned to be his last official match of the season, struggling with a knee injury and undergoing surgery a few weeks later. Failing to take the pain away, Roger needed another surgery in May, skipping the rest of the season and setting his eyes on a fresh start in 2021. Federer is currently in Dubai, working hard with his coach Ivan Ljubic and hoping to get ready for the Australian Open that starts on February 8.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Roger Federer's comeback. At 39, he is trying to bounce back after a terrible knee injury, and I will closely follow his progress. Roger's experience can serve as an example for me, as I want to extend my career and play way after turning 30," Andrey Rublev said.

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