Federer "feels strong" after knee surgery
After missing the US Open, Swiss tennis star Roger Federer says he is recovering well after his latest knee surgery, and that he has suffered no setbacks.
Federer said last month that he would be out of commission for some time because he needed to undergo more operations to continue competing, and pulled out of the US Open.
The Swiss underwent two procedures last year which required him to go through more than a year of a rehabilitation before returning to compete in March this year.
The 40-year-old last played at Wimbledon in July with a quarterfinal exit that ended his dream of a record-extending ninth title at the Championships.
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Federer: It's a slow period, but I'm happy
"I’m feeling actually really good… things are not as I hoped they would be, but I’m recovering well and the rehab is going really good,” the former world number one told Eurosport.
“I’ve had no setbacks. I’m feeling strong and excited for what’s to come. I wish I could be back on a tennis court as quick as possible, but I have to be patient.”
“It’s a slow period right now. And I got to take it step by step. And so far so good. I’m very happy,” he added.
Federer: Calendar Grand Slam is possible
Federer thinks that completing a calendar Grand Slam is still possible in men’s tennis, in light of Novak Djokovic’s failed bid to achieve it this year.
World No. 1 Djokovic almost accomplished the Slam but lost at the US Open in straight sets to Russian Daniil Medvedev.
“I think it is possible that it’s going to happen again,” said Federer. “We saw it with Novak, myself, and Rafa that we come extremely close.”
“But I think you need a bit of luck. You need perseverance, strength… that’s why I think it’s going to be hard. But it’s possible.”
No man has bagged all four Grand Slam titles in one year since Rod Laver in 1969.
Federer shares the men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic and Rafa Nadal.