Roger Federer doubtful for anticipated 2022 Australian Open return

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Roger Federer might not play in the upcoming 2022 Australian Open.

After losing in the 2021 Wimbledon quarterfinals and another session of knee surgery, the 20-time Grand Slam champion might be taking a break in next year’s first major tournament according to his coach Ivan Ljubicic.

“I think there are very few chances, he is still recovering and knowing him, he wants to be sure he can play to win the tournament and be at 100%,” Ljubicic said.

It has been a rough comeback for Federer this 2021 when he failed to reach the grand finals of the French Open and the Wimbledon, months after he declared his camp ready after two successful knee surgeries.

However, it seemed like another injury came up that resulted in another knee operation session, the reason why he had to take a pause for almost a year again.

With the 2022 Australian Open kicking off this January 17-January 30 2022, players are already gearing up for the first Grand Slam of the year.

Federer is currently tied with tennis greats Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slams each and is hoping to win more before formally retiring in the sport he dominated.

“We have spoken and I can guarantee he wants to return to playing tennis. When he decides to stop, he will retire, but I don’t think it’s going to happen all of a sudden,” added Ljubicic.