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'Oh my god': Tennis world erupts over Roger Federer announcement

Andrew Reid
·4-min read
Pictured here, Roger Federer appears at an alpine ski event in his native Switzerland.
Roger Federer has confirmed that he will make his tennis comeback in September at the Laver Cup. Pic: Getty

Tennis fans have taken to social media in excitement after confirmation that Roger Federer will make his competitive return later in 2022.

Federer has not played since being beaten in last year's Wimbledon quarter-finals to Hubert Hurkacz, a straight-sets defeat that culminated in a 0-6 third set.

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The 20-time grand slam winner will turn 41 in August, and has barely featured on the ATP Tour in the last two years due to knee trouble that required surgery.

During that time, the Swiss maestro's ranking has dropped to 41st in the world, however, Federer has confirmed that he will return to the court in September for the Laver Cup in London.

For his legion of fans it represents mixed news, with Federer set to play no part in any of this year's majors.

His long-time rival Rafael Nadal, however, will return this week at the Madrid Open after taking a month out.

News of Federer's comeback plans were announced by the organisers of the Swiss Indoors, which takes place in October.

They said: "Ten-time singles champion and hometown hero Roger Federer has announced his comeback to the stadium at St Jakobshalle. The Swiss all-time great has confirmed his initial agenda will include the Laver Cup in London followed by the Swiss Indoors in Basel."

Responding to the announcement, Federer posted on Instagram: "Looking forward to playing back home."

Not surprisingly, the news has left the tennis world in a frenzy on social media.

Federer, Nadal could team up in Laver Cup

The Laver Cup, named after Australian tennis legend Rod Laver and founded by Federer's management company in 2017, pits Europe against the rest of the world. It will take place in London from September 23 to 25.

The Swiss Indoors runs from October 24 to 30.

Federer for a long time held the record for the most grand slam singles titles won by a man. However, he has been joined on 20 by Novak Djokovic, and Nadal moved out on his own with 21 by triumphing at the Australian Open this year.

Pictured left is Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal is seen on the right.
Both Roger Federer (pictured left) and Rafa Nadal (pictured right) have signalled their intention to play the Laver Cup later this year. (Getty Images)

Nadal subsequently suffered a stress fracture in his rib at Indian Wells in March.

He intends to return at this week's ATP Masters 1000 Madrid Open, stating on Twitter: "Despite arriving just before the tournament and preparation being difficult, I really want to play at home since the opportunities are few.

"So I'm going to try to do it in the best way I can. See you in Madrid."

With Nadal and Federer both set to play in the Laver Cup later in the year, the pair could team up in doubles for the last time, in a move that would undoubtedly send fans wild.

with agencies

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