'We would like Roger Federer to stop on a Grand Slam title', says ATP ace

Every tennis fan is looking forward to the 2021 Australian Open. According to the latest rumors from L'Equipe, the first Slam of the season should take place from 8 to 21 February to allow players to arrive in Australia and carry out quarantine . The Happy Slam will also sanction the return of Roger Federer, whose last official appearance dates back to the semifinal against Novak Djokovic. The Swiss phenomenon has undergone two operations on his right knee that kept him in the pits for the rest of the season. Although Roger has retained a place in the Top 5 (thanks to the new ranking system), the question is whether the 20-time Grand Slam champion will be able to compete against much younger opponents. The former world number 1, who will turn 40 in August next year, has already put Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics in his sights. In a recent interview with Tennis Actu, French tennis legend Henri Leconte confided that he is optimistic about the future of King Roger.

Leconte on Roger Federer

“We want to believe it. We all want to believe it! It’s been a long and difficult year. Will the motivation still be there? Will this break, the fact of having been able to enjoy his family, have changed something or will he still have that renewed motivation that has always fascinated us? No one can say it,” said a hopeful Henri Leconte in the interview. “We all wish him. We would like him to stop on a Grand Slam title. But, the train is gone with this young generation which has put in an extra speed,” continued the 57-year-old. Leconte again reiterated the value of Roger Federer in the sport. He said that he would be the happiest if the Swiss managed to reach the top again. However, he again warned that it would be very tough for Federer. “I would like to believe it. Roger has done so many things, that’s why he makes us dream, that we would like to see him at the top. It will be very, very hard…,” concluded the former French player Leconte. The government of Victoria, which is the host state for the year’s first Major, has still not put out the official start date for the Australian Open. Reports in the Australian media suggest that the Victorian government is adamant on pushing through a two-week quarantine rule for players without the option of training.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3onwkN1