Google News 'They also feel that the crowd goes for Roger Federer', says former ATP ace
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 3699
Since the start of 2020, Roger Federer and Andy Murray have won just 16 matches combined, battling injuries and staying off the pitch for many months. Andy and Roger scored a win at Queen's and Halle this week, and will try to improve their game before Wimbledon, where they have both been successful in the past.
Speaking of Roger this week, Andy said he understands how frustrating it is when you can't find your best shots after staying on top for two decades. The Briton backs the Swiss to find his best tennis again and fight for great titles, praising Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Federer in the second round in Halle.
Roger suffered a knee injury at the beginning of the previous season, played only the Australian Open and missed the rest of the year after undergoing two surgeries. Roger returned this March in Doha and beat Daniel Evans in the second round before blowing a match point against Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarterfinals.
Taking another break, Federer embraced the clay swing in May and blew a 4-2 lead against Pablo Andujar at home in Geneva. On the way to Paris, Roger entered his first Major in nearly 500 days and scored three wins to regain confidence.
Roger defeated Denis Istomin and Marin Cilic to advance to the third round, facing Dominik Koepfer and defeating the German 7-6, 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 in three hours and 35 minutes. Federer earned one more point and sealed the deal with a late break in the fourth set to become the oldest player to reach the fourth round in Majors since 1978!
The Swiss prevailed with a late break in the fourth set before retiring from the fourth-round clash against Matteo Berrettini to keep his knee at Halle and Wimbledon. Seeking Halle's 11th crown, Federer beat Ilya Ivashka in the first match before losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime in three sets, not happy with his level and hoping to improve at Wimbledon in two weeks.
Wimbledon Championships 2021 is very soon
Roger Federer is being considered by some as the second favorite at Wimbledon this year, right behind Novak Djokovic. But Federer is yet to prove his consistency since coming back from double knee surgery, and has suffered a few surprising defeats this year.
"His fitness is fine but he's lacking match play," Todd Woodbridge said. "That time away from the game is not easy and in Halle, in his lead-in tournament, went out to Felix Auger-Aliassime, the young Canadian. He'll be disappointed not getting more matches under his belt on the grass.
The hardest part about Halle, absolutely zero crowds, and that's not good for Roger," the Aussie added. "He feeds off that and I think when he's playing against opponents, they also feel that the crowd goes for him."
