Roger Federer's huge claim about tennis return: 'Curious myself'

Roger Federer has revealed a return to tennis is still 'definitely' on the calendar, but it might not be until 2023.

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.

And following watching Rafa Nadal win the French Open, Federer has talked about his return to the game.

While Federer isn't confident that he will play more than the Laver Cup and in Basel this year, he said he 'definitely' wants to return for a 2023 push.

"How and where, I don't know yet. But that would be the idea," when asked about a tennis return this year.

"I haven't planned more than the Laver Cup and Basel yet. After Basel, the season is over anyway. It's important for me to get fit again so that I can train fully.

"Once I've done that, I can choose how many tournaments I play and where.

"The Laver Cup is a good start, I don't have to play five matches in six days. I will have be able to do that in Basel. That's what I have to prepare for it in practice.

"I'm curious myself what's still to come.

"But I'm hopeful, I've come a long way. I'm not far away..."

News of Federer's comeback in Basel was 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."

Roger Federer praises Rafa Nadal after insane grand slam

Nadal recently revealed Federer has reached out to congratulate him following his remarkable French Open title.

And Federer offered some words of praise on Nadal's remarkable achievement by putting his French Open tally into perspective.

"In general, it's just unbelievable what Rafa has achieved," Federer added.

"The record of Pete Sampras, which I beat, was 14 Grand Slam titles.

"Now Rafa won the French Open 14 times. That's unbelievable.

"I was happy for him that he did it again. Hats off to Rafa. After the 10th, 11th time, I already thought, 'This can't be'. He keeps raising the bar. It's gigantic."

Fans are hoping to see Federer and Nadal team up in doubles at least one more time if the Swiss maestro is able to return for the Laver Cup.

with Reuters

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