'Without Roger Federer tennis is almost a different sport' - Mischa Zverev at French Open on legend's return

Updated 25/05/2022 at 09:16 GMT

Mischa Zverev has told Eurosport Germany's 'Matchball' Show that he believes "tennis is almost a different sport" without Roger Federer when he was asked about the Swiss legend's potential return later this year. Federer is not playing at the 2022 French Open as he continues his recovery from a third knee operation and looks poised to return at the Laver Cup in September.

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Eurosport expert Mischa Zverev has given his views on Roger Federer potentially returning to the tennis tour and shared an insight from a conversation with his coach, Ivan Ljubicic.

Federer, who has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, is set to drop off the rankings this summer as he has been inactive for a year. He is currently ranked at No. 47 in the world.

While little is known about the 40-year-old's current level of fitness, he has given no indication that he is inclined to retire rather than launch a hotly-anticipated comeback when he is back to full health to compete on the court.

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Zverev has provided a window into Federer's mentality with a reference to an encounter with his coach, Ljubicic, which makes it clear that the Swiss star is "more eager to return than anyone else" to ensure he has a fitting farewell from the sport.

"My mother and a friend met Federer's coach, Ivan Ljubicic, near Monaco," Zverev told Eurosport Germany's 'Matchball' Show.

"Ljubicic said that Roger is more eager to return than anyone else. I also think he must come back because without him tennis is almost a different sport."

Speaking about Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was given a warm and emotional send-off into retirement after his defeat to Casper Ruud on Court Philippe Chatrier on Tuesday, Zverev was the latest to rave about the Frenchman's personality and positive impact on the sport.

"I can't remember a day when he didn't come to the venue with a smile on his face," Zverev said of Tsonga.

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"He may not have won a Grand Slam and made himself a legend that way. Nevertheless, he's a person everyone loves - whether it's players or spectators. He is a special person.

"He could be trailing or playing badly, but he never gave up, always fought and was always good for a joke. He always played creatively and courageously. The way he celebrated after a win was the way he was as a person.

"When someone ends their career, it's also the end of a chapter in their life - and that's always emotional. Whether you're prepared or not, it's always emotional for you, your family and your friends. I have goosebumps again right now."

Finally, Zverev said of Stefanos Tsitsipas, who won through in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier on Tuesday evening: "He was the better, the more consistent and the more experienced player.

"It is Tsitsipas' quality: you have to win every point at 100 per cent. You might manage that for one or two sets, but after two hours you get tired or lose concentration - and then the table turns."