Google News 'There is so much more to Roger Federer than the number 20 Slams', says fan
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 2619
Roger Federer will miss the Miami Master 1000. This was confirmed by his agent Tony Godsick to the Miami Herald. The Swiss, fresh from a double operation on his right knee, has not played an official match since the semifinal of the Australian Open 2020 lost to Novak Djokovic.
To recover 100% and be at his best on his return, the 39-year-old from Basel has chosen to skip tournaments in Australia, including the first Grand Slam of the year, and will return to the pitch next week in Doha. The former world number one should then play the ATP 500 in Dubai, a tournament that has already seen him triumph nine times in his career, only to take a break for the season on clay.
Therefore he will not defend the title he won in 2019 (in 2020 there was no play due to a pandemic, ed). As stated several times, Federer's main seasonal goals remain Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics. In anticipation of Roger Federer’s long-awaited return to the tour, ATP recently spoke with two 'superfans' about their bond with the Swiss.
One of those superfans is India’s Sunita Sugita, who has been supporting Federer since 2003 and has also watched over 100 matches of the 20-time Major champion.
Sugita on Roger Federer
While speaking with ATPtour.com, Sunita Sugita listed out the reasons that drew her to Roger Federer.
According to her, the Swiss legend is a magnetic and warm person who treats his fans like they were his family. For Sugita, it matters little if Roger Federer doesn't end his career with the most Slams or even if he fails to add to his current tally of 20.
Federer will always hold a special place in her heart, irrespective of his tennis feats. "He has given us everything he has," Sugita added. "It’s not just about numbers, there is so much more to Roger than the number 20 [Majors].
I don’t want to cry when he retires, I want to celebrate him." Sunita Sugita also believes that Roger Federer's injury and subsequent rehabilitation period were a blessing in disguise, as they ensured that he wasn't forced to travel and expose himself to the dreaded coronavirus.
"I didn’t want him travelling at a time like this because I don’t want him to catch coronavirus," Sugita said. "It was a relief to know that I didn’t have to worry [about Roger getting sick] for the rest of the year.
I will live with all the moments and memories I’ve shared with him," she added. "That’s what I realised in the lockdown. I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to follow my dream and my passion." Tennis fans are quite excited about the return of Roger Federer at the Qatar Open 2021 next week.
The Swiss Maestro will be making a comeback after almost 14 months on the court and it’ll be intriguing to watch him play. However, experts doubt whether he’ll be able to make a convincing comeback to the sport or not.
