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But he is very careful when discussing his expectations.
“Right now let’s see how the matches are going,” said Federer, who trained with Evans there in Doha. “It’s still (a matter of) building to be stronger, better, fitter, faster and all that.
“I know people will think the measuring stick will be just titles, trophies, finals and semi-finals and I’m happy people think of me that way but honestly the expectations are completely different. for me.
“I might surprise myself. In fact, I have already done this in practice over the past three weeks. I was surprised how well everything went.
“But we know games are a different animal, so right now I’m taking it day to day. I am happy to resume the tour. “
Federer’s long stay away from the tour was, he said, bittersweet.
The world No.6 revealed that after 1,500 matches and 20 years of touring, he was pleased with the extended break and time spent at home; it is his belief that time spent away from competition to heal injuries can add to the backdrop of a player’s career.
But his second knee surgery – at the end of May, after a first in February 2020 – left him uncertain about the viability of a successful return. “I was broken down,” he admitted.
“Obviously I couldn’t believe I had to do a second one. This is definitely a time when you might be asking yourself a few more questions. “
And it’s that knee that Federer says will determine his success and future in the sport.
He is expected to compete in Dubai the week following Doha, but has already withdrawn from the Miami Open.
We will miss you this year, Roger. We will see each other again in 2022! pic.twitter.com/ifphe3M41b
– Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 2, 2021
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has said he hopes to be “100%” by Wimbledon, which starts on June 28 and where he is an eight-time winner.
“From there, the season really starts for me. Until then, let’s see how it goes, ”said Federer.
“I know that it is rare for a player of nearly 40 to return after a year of absence and I was surprised how long it took, but I made the decision quite early with my team that I wanted to take the time (with) no rush to get back on the tour.
“It’s important that I am injury free, pain free and that I can really have fun there.
“I would love to have that level by playing against the best players, playing the biggest tournaments, hopefully winning them, and participating in the conversation.
“I just feel like the story isn’t over yet.”
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