Djokovic on Federer: “I hope we can see him play at least another time”

The world No 1 said he hoped Federer recovers from his third right knee surgery

Djokovic and Federer at the 2020 Australian Open (Panoramic)

November 17, 2021

World No 1 Novak Djokovic says he hopes Roger Federer is able to return to the ATP Tour and play top level tennis again.

Federer said on Wednesday that he hoped to be back in late summer 2022, but that playing at Wimbledon was “incredibly unlikely”. The Swiss said his recovery was tough but that he had high hopes and that “miracles happen”.

Speaking at the ATP Finals in Turin, where Djokovic is trying to equal Federer’s record of six titles, the Serb said he wished his rival all the best.

“Obviously Roger is an icon of our sport and people around the world love him,” Djokovic said. “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.”

Djokovic: “He deserves to have a proper farewell”

And if Federer’s not able to rejoin the Tour at 100 percent, Djokovic said he hoped he would get the chance to say goodbye to all his fans.

“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.”