'Roger Federer is always among Wimbledon favorites,' says Mats Wilander

Roger Federer has been sidelined since the Australian Open last year, experiencing the most extended break of his career. Struggling with a knee injury, the Swiss underwent two surgeries in February and May, deciding to skip the rest of the season after the second and focus on 2021. Roger had arrived in Dubai in December and has been working on his game with his coach Ivan Ljubicic, doing his best to get back at 100% ahead of the Australian Open. Instead of that, Roger has to spend more time on the practice court, deciding to skip the season's first Major for the first time since 1999 and targeting March for a long-anticipated return. Mats Wilander believes that Federer is still a Major contender, especially at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. The Swede praised Roger and his performance at the All England Club, stating that he should be among the favorites there as long as he plays.

Mats Wilander still puts Roger Federer among Wimbledon favorites.

Roger lifted the first Wimbledon trophy at 21 in 2003 and won eight titles in total, with the latest coming 14 years after the first. The Swiss had everything on his racquet against Novak Djokovic in the final two years ago, squandering his opportunities and missing a chance to add the ninth crown to his already incredible collection. Novak prevailed 7-6, 1-6, 7-6, 4-6, 13-12 after four hours and 57 minutes, making it the longest Wimbledon final and the first that ended in the deciding tie break. The Swiss won 14 points more than the Serb, scored four more breaks, had 40 winners more on his tally, two match points and two break chances at 11-11 in the decider up for grabs, wasting all that and allowing Djokovic to steal the crown. Roger should focus on Wimbledon, the Olympic Games (if we see them) and the US Open for the rest of the season, still eager to fight for the most notable titles despite turning 40 in August.

"Roger Federer can still win Wimbledon or the Australian Open. He didn't enter Melbourne this year, but if he doesn't have a physical problem, he can rightly hope for the trophy at Wimbledon, where he can win at any time. Roland Garros and the US Open are a tougher affair, but Roger has targeted Wimbledon and the Olympics this year anyway - I expect at least a big result from him," Mats Wilander said. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3j0xVH4