Google News Mark Philippousis: Roger Federer is doing right thing in his recovery process
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3525
Former two-time Grand Slam runner-up Mark Philippousis says Roger Federer is doing the right thing by taking his time and not rushing comeback to the courts. Federer underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 before undergoing a third knee surgery this past August.
Federer, 40, announced that he will miss the Australian Open and revealed he may also not be ready to play at Wimbledon. Philippousis played Federer in the 2003 Wimbledon as the Swiss won to capture his maiden Grand Slam title.
"This is the first time he's struggled with injuries and had surgeries and that's a different story, especially with the knees," Philippousis told Reuters at the Champions Tennis event. "But he's doing the right thing, he can't rush this.
Can he come back? The biggest thing for me was watching him at the French Open where there were no crowds -- he's playing five sets, he's fighting, he's pumping his fists. "That shows how much he loves the game. The passion he still has for the game is incredible."
Philippousis, Fernando Gonzalez curious about the Federer comeback
Gonzalez, who ended runner-up to Federer in the 2007 Australian Open final, is also looking forward to seeing what will happen with the Swiss in 2022.
“To be without competition for several months last year was tough and now this year, there has still be problems travelling," Gonzalez told Tennis365. “Hopefully we can go into next year and have a more normal tennis year because so many exciting things are happening in our sport.
“We are waiting to see if Roger can come back, what happens with Rafa and you see Daniil Medvedev winning his first major. Then I like (Andrey) Rublev and (Jannik) Sinner. They have so much talent and can be successful in the game for many years to come”. Federer played only five events this year before announcing a knee surgery.
