On Sunday, Roger Federer appeared on a grass court for the first time since his fourth-round loss in Wimbledon last year. However, the Swiss Maestro was not there to show his skills at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Instead, Federer was there as a former Wimbledon winner for the traditional parade of the champions. The crowd greeted the 20-time Grand Slam winner with a huge roar as he entered the court with champions like Margaret Court, Rod Laver, John Newcombe, Pat Cash, and Lleyton Hewitt. The Tennis legends paraded on the center court on Sunday.
During his speech, Federer made a surprising announcement, leaving all tennis fans overjoyed about his return. The 40-year-old has been sidelined following his third knee surgery after his fourth-round loss in Wimbledon 2021. Roger has been working hard to get back his fitness and recover. He has already announced his comeback during the Laver Cup in September, following which he will play the Swiss Indoors in Basel in October. While Federer has not revealed if he will continue playing in 2023, the Swiss tennis giant has expressed his desire to return to Wimbledon one more time before he bids adieu to the game he has served for more than 20 years.
Federer Hopes For A Wimbledon Comeback In 2023
After the parade, Roger said he hoped to return one more time as he has missed being at Wimbledon and would love to be back here. Further, he revealed that he knew it would be a tough year ahead after walking out of Wimbledon last year. The Swiss maestro did not think it would take him so long to return. But the knee has been quite rough for him. Roger added, “I didn’t know if I should make the trip. But I’m happy standing right here, right now.”
Moreover, Federer told that he had tried to be successful at the All England Club and represent the sport well. The 40-year-old hoped that he had fulfilled his aim and would love to return to Wimbledon one more time. Federer underwent his third knee surgery 18 months back last year. His last surgery was to repair the damage to his meniscus and cartilage in his right knee.
The eight-time Wimbledon champ shared that he has been lucky enough to play many matches on the center grass court. Hence, the Swiss tennis star felt awkward being there on Sunday in a different role. This year is the first time Roger missed out on Wimbledon since his main-draw debut in 1999. Federer concluded, “But it’s great to be here with all the other champions. This court has given me my biggest wins, my biggest losses.”