Novak Djokovic is sure Roger Federer 'doesn’t want to end his career this way' after injury comments
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ByEurosport
Updated 17/11/2021 at 18:04 GMT
Novak Djokovic has responded to Roger Federer's comments made to a Swiss newspaper saying late summer 2022 is his target for a return to competitive action. Although the world number one has contested numerous Grand Slams with Federer, he hopes to see his rival back on court sooner rather than later.
Roger Federer braucht derzeit viel Geduld
Image credit: Getty Images
Novak Djokovic hopes Roger Federer will make a return to the court and will be able to compete with the best again.
Federer confirmed he will not be playing at the 2022 Australian Open and would be "extremely surprised" if he is fit to play at Wimbledon in the summer.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion is recovering from a third round of ankle surgery and with the 40-year-old's tennis future in some doubt, his great rival Djokovic hopes he will get back to competitive action soon.
“Obviously Roger is an icon of our sport and people around the world love him,” Djokovic said after his straight sets win over Andrey Rublev in the ATP finals on Wednesday.
"They love watching him play, love seeing him around. He’s very important for our sport on and off the court. So for the sake of our sport, I sincerely hope that we can see him play at least another time.
"I’m sure he doesn’t want to end his career this way. I think he’s gonna definitely try to give it a last push, a last try.
"I’m not sure what his injury is, and I know he’s been struggling with a knee for quite a few years. So, yeah, let’s see."
Even if Federer cannot get back to the peak of his powers, Djokovic hopes he will get a proper farewell.
He added: "I think for everything that he has achieved and created for this sport, he deserves to play and he deserves to have a proper farewell.
"I mean, if his injury is not allowing him to play, so to say, more frequently on the tour.”
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