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Jim Courier Predicts a Successful Comeback for Roger Federer in 2021

Published 11/23/2020, 10:26 AM EST

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Expectations are booming as Roger Federer will make his return at the 2021 Australian Open. The Swiss Maestro has been out of action since February this year, and it was hard to see him undergo two major knee procedures at the age of 39. However, Jim Courier feels Federer has a sure-shot Grand Slam sem-final ticket when he comes back next year. 

Jim Courier went into retirement a long time ago. In fact, it has been decades since the 4x Majors champion bid farewell to the game, but he might’ve retired a bit early. 

Nonetheless, the 50-year-old engaged in a conversation on ‘Tennis Channel’ where he mentioned Federer can still achieve wonders. He compared Federer’s current carrer-path with that of Jimmy Conors when he was 39-years-old. 

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“I would be frankly surprised if Federer doesn’t make a semi, next season – Again, if he’s healthy,” said Courier.  

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For starters, Jim Courier asserted the need for Roger Federer to hold onto his big serves. It can be his most effective weapon when playing against younger opponents. Grazing up and down the court with elegance has always been Federer’s style, but he’s now 39 and age will catch up. 

There are several uncertainties looming around the 2021 Australian Open. But Roger Federer making his comeback at the venue is fixed, and tons of tennis fans are eagerly waiting for the days to pass by. 

Why the Australian Open is a perfect comeback venue for Roger Federer

Roger Federer is often regarded as the best when it comes to competing at Wimbledon or grass courts in general. However, he is equally dangerous when it comes to hard courts. The reaction time is shorter and that’s why Federer is a fan of these surfaces.

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Federer has won the Australian Open six times so far with the most recent one coming in 2018. If he can win it at 37, he can undoubtedly do it at 39. His former rival Andy Roddick also confirmed that the Swiss superstar likes fast-moving surfaces. 

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“He [Federer] wants to court to be very fast when he arrives in Australia. That makes his game planning a lot easier. He doesn’t have to get into extended rallies,” mentioned Roddick

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Roddick wishes to see at least a shadow of the Roger Federer from the past and it is obvious that the 39-year-old will play his best game when he takes to the court. 

Winning the Australian Open would be a challenge, but it’ll undoubtedly prove to be the perfect comeback ground. A semi-final finish can boost hopes for the remainder of the season, and if things go right, he can become a Grand Slam champion once again! 

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya

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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.
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