“So everything happens in life for a reason.” These were the words of Novak Djokovic as he came to terms with Roger Federer’s absence from the circuit. Federer’s retirement announcement threw the tennis world into chaos. Nobody anticipated the legend to say goodbye before either of his Big 3 counterparts. However, in his documentary, Federer detailed the reason for stepping away from the sport he so loved.

The documentary “Federer: Last Twelve Days” begins with the root of all causes. The retirement announcement and the reason behind it. Back in 2016, Roger Federer lost to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Not a preferred outcome at that as Djokovic was already not a fan favorite. The Swiss Maestro took a relaxing day out with his kids after his semifinal exit. But the events of that day marked the beginning of the end of his professional career.

After a relaxing night after his loss, Federer enjoyed a good day at the zoo with his kids. And as his daughters pestered him for another bath at the hotel, the Swiss Maestro heard the ruinous ‘click’. He explained the event of the day expansively. “I wake up the next morning, kids went to the pool at the hotel, we take a shower, then we go to the zoo. And then girls are like it’s bath time.. and I say fine bath time. And I go to the shower and as I switch on the water, my knee goes click.”

It was not just a knee click, but the scans further indicated issues with his meniscus. And since that moment, Federer’s retirement journey began, as his knees never recovered. “And I’m like, oh my god, what is wrong with my knee? Came back and did a scan, and all signs were showing that my meniscus was causing the problems. From that moment on, my knees were never the same.” Federer chose the path of knife, despite being adamant about his stance on avoiding them at first.

Like Djokovic, who is conscious about his body, Federer too wasn’t keen on going under the knife for injuries. He opened up about his thought process during his early days in the circuit, “In the beginning, when I was young, I thought I would never have surgery while I’m active. I always thought that I’m one of the few who never has to endure operations.” The tennis star would rather opt for rest to let his body heal itself over surgery. “If I’m having pains, I would rather skip the tournament than have surgery,” Federer added.

This leads to one question: why was the 20-time Grand Slam champion against surgery? Many athletes choose this option for a speedy recovery and to play without worrying about pain. “Doing surgery is the beginning of the end.” This was the response of Federer. He was not wrong, as Federer never reached his peak again after his knee surgery. He further opens up about how a happy day with his kids ended up in an unfortunate event.

Moreover, at the 2016 Australian Open semi-final, Djokovic breezed through the court, as he dominated Federer throughout the match. With the lop-sided score, 6-1,6-2,3-6,6-3 Djokovic pushed the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s threat aside. And Rafael Nadal rightly echoed the sentiments of millions of fans with his tribute to Federer. “When Roger leaves the Tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too.”- he said. However, life has completed a full circle. Djokovic underwent surgery for a similar issue.

Surgeries and Big3: A twisted tale of fate

Federer bid adieu after his knee was unable to recover to their former strength. And 8 years down the lane, it’s Djokovic’s turn. Similar to Federer, Djokovic’s reluctance to surgeries and vaccines is popularly known. However, post his Roland Garros loss, the Serbian rushed in to operation theatre to ensure a speedy recovery for his meniscus and knee issues.

Djokovic updated his well-wishers about his situation through social media. He said, “In the past day, I had to make some tough decisions after sustaining a meniscus tear during my last match. I’m still processing it all, but I am happy to update you that the surgery went well.” The Serbian ace hopes to make it to the Olympics with full vigor. However, the issue and resolution both sound similar to Federer’s 2016 situation.

The last pillar of Big3, Rafael Nadal’s tryst with foot injuries, is not unknown. The Spaniard has undergone numerous surgeries to relieve himself of pain. As he approached to survive a bit longer at the sunset of his career.

Athletes and injuries have a bitter relationship. The twisted tale of fate ends with surgeries, and possibly retirement. Hopefully, Djokovic would break this loop, and continue to give a few more years of splendid tennis to the fans!