Roger Federer stepped out of the circuit after his quarterfinals dismissal from the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. The 20 times Grand Slam champion who returned after undergoing surgery for his knee just four tournaments earlier struggled with the same again. Though this time he had to go through the pain along with people losing trust in him.

Federer, owing to his age, came under the microscope. As people started questioning his will to make a comeback to the game in his 40s. Another legend and friend of the Swiss ace on the same boat is Serena Williams. She also suffered an injury that threw her out of the circuit and under the jaws of haters. Though like Federer, she also showed endurance and is ready to make a comeback in her 40s.

Roger Federer about his and Serena Williams’ secret

Federer recently spoke about what keeps players such as him and 23 times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams motivated. Especially when an injury has them in its grip for way too long and people are ready to bite off their mental peace. He said, “You would think that Serena and I have found ways to keep ourselves happy, motivated and entertained, not let the negatives dominate our daily struggles.”

“Now, with the family and all of that, I think it’s essential. When you have family, it’s much easier to walk away from it all. Everybody goes through ups and downs. Maybe it’s arguably easier to stay happier and motivated when you are in this position.” He added.

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In addition, the former World No.1s have locked horns once earlier. Federer paired with Belinda Bencic met Williams paired with Frances Tiafoe in the historic mixed doubles match of Hopman Cup in 2019. And the results were in favor of the Swiss pair who claimed victory by 2-1 over the United States. Also, they later clinched the trophy in the mixed doubles rubber.

When Will Federer return?

The 40-year-old has signed up for an event based in his homeland for a comeback. He will take part in the 2022 Swiss Indoors Basel. Further, Federer will be the defending champion of this year’s tournament. As he was the winner of the year 2019 and the event itself will make a comeback after two years of being called off because of the pandemic.

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In addition, Federer has won 10 titles up till now on the hard courts of the ATP 500 event and will aim for his 11th one this year. The Swiss Indoors will commence towards the end of October.