Home

Tennis

“Important to Go Step by Step”: Coach Shares About Roger Federer’s Recovery Phase

Published 11/05/2020, 12:05 PM EST

Follow Us

via Getty

After being sidelined because of a right knee injury in February, Roger Federer pulled out of the remaining 2020 season. Since then, arch-rival Rafael Nadal equaled Federer’s record of winning 20 Grand Slam titles. On the other hand, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic seems poised to dethrone Federer in the race of most weeks spent at No. 1 ranking.

After going through arthroscopic surgery on his knee, the Swiss Maestro is undergoing a rehabilitation plan to make a comeback. Recently, during an interview, Federer’s coach, Ivan Ljubicic, was questioned about his pupil’s path to recovery. Under Ljubicic’s guidance, Federer has won three Grand Slam titles since the start of 2017.

via Getty

Former World No. 3 Ljubicic revealed that Federer has been training extensively and the recovery process is going as per the program.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“He is in the recovery phase, I would say that things are going in the best way. He trains more and more and better, I’m curious to see how much we can push in the coming months. The program we had in mind, to date, has been fully respected. There is a lot of trust,” said Ljubicic.

Roger Federer to play 2021 Australian Open

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite not having played for the last seven months, Federer hasn’t dropped in the ATP ranking. This is because of the introduction of a revised ranking system by ATP, implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic.

via Getty

Asked about Federer’s schedule for the 2021 season, Ljubicic brushed the question aside by saying that it was premature to talk about it. However, the Croatian acknowledged that the initial plan was to leave for next year’s Australian Open and then decide based on Federer’s body response. Having turned 39 in August, Federer has to take adequate rest in between tournaments to prolong his career.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I know we want to leave as soon as possible, play a great Australian Open and then evaluate step by step. It will be important to go step by step and observe rest periods,” remarked Ljubicic.

After proving his mettle as a player and then as a coach, Ljubicic is embarking on another journey by establishing LJ Sports Group, a new management agency. Interestingly, Federer has his own management company, Team8 Global, with Tony Godsick.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Kshitij Tayal

518Articles

One take at a time

Kshitij Tayal is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having played district-level tennis competitions, Kshitij is also a tenured journalist of the sport with over four years of experience. At EssentiallySports, he pens down some thought-provoking pieces on players and tournaments across the ATP and WTA.
Show More>