Roger Federer has conceded his recovery from surgery has taken longer than he had hoped, but still hopes to be back on court next year.
“I am disappointed but I don’t want to rush the times,” Federer told Sky Sport Italy in Turin.
“Going back to the courts at the age of 40-41-42, it doesn’t change much, the important thing is to go back. I am a happy father. I am appreciating the fact that I can drive again.”
The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who underwent a third knee operation in August, has not played since Wimbledon, where he lost to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter finals.
“It will take some time. It’s a bit sad and disappointing, but I knew it would take a long time to recover,” he added.
“I knew what the consequences of the operation would be. My desire is to continue playing tennis at the highest level, but I have to take one step at a time. For now I focus only on rehabilitation.
“I have learned a lot in past few years. The most important is to come back. Nothing changes a month more or less. I don’t want to be in a hurry. I want to go back. That’s my heart tells me.
“Thanks to my team for my support. I am walking without problems and will soon start driving again”
Jannik Sinner has voiced fears over his fitness for Roland Garros, with the Italian unwilling…
Paula Badosa has announced the end of her tennis fling with Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the…
Felix Auger-Aliassime handed over a double-fault on match point to send Andrey Rublev to a…
Iga Swiatek took her revenge on Saturday to win the Madrid Masters over Aryna Sabenka a…
Jannik Sinner's golden season was tarnished on Saturday, with the world No. 2 forced to…
Felix Auger-Aliassime received another stroke of luck on Friday as he advanced to the Madrid…