“Expectations are really low, but I hope I can surprise myself,” Roger Federer on his return at Qatar Open 2021

“Expectations are really low, but I hope I can surprise myself,” Roger Federer on his return at Qatar Open 2021
Roger Federer

All eyes will be on Roger Federer at the Qatar Open 2021 as he makes his comeback on tour after almost 13 months. The Swiss has received a bye in the first round by virtue of being the second seed. Federer has his focus set on the second half of the season as he wants to be at his 100% by the time Wimbledon is around the corner. He revealed that all tournaments played before Wimbledon will help him prepare better.

“At this moment, let’s see how matches go,” said Federer. “Let’s see how training goes with all the top guys… It is still [a matter of] building up to being stronger, better, fitter, faster and all that stuff. I hope by Wimbledon I am going to be 100 per cent and, from then on, the season really starts for me. Everything until then, lets just see how it goes,” he added.

Roger Federer said that no matter how the tournament pans out for him, he will still be happy to have competed in Doha. The Swiss revealed that his expectations are quite low at the moment but he hopes to surprise himself this week at the Qatar Open. He added that people expect him to win titles, create records but for he is a whole different place at the moment.

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“However this tournament will play out, I will be happy leaving the court because I will have played a tournament again,” said Federer. “Expectations are really low, but I hope I can surprise myself and maybe others. I know that people will think that the measuring stick will only be titles, trophies, finals and semi-finals and I am happy that people think of me that way but, honestly, the expectations are in a completely different place for me,” he added.

I have missed the second family which is the tour: Roger Federer

Roger Federer stated that after spending almost two decades on tour and playing 1500 matches, breaks are always welcome. The Swiss enjoyed his time away from tour, but has missed it dearly. He also added that one can add back the years missed due to injuries in latter parts of your career.

“I do believe what you miss through injuries, you can add to the back end of your career,” said Federer. “I do feel like somebody like myself, who has played almost 1,500 matches, that breaks are always welcome,” he added.

“I did enjoy my time at home. After 20 years on Tour, to be home for an extended period of time, to have used that period in a different way, has been actually quite nice. I have missed the Tour. I have missed the second family, [which is] how I call the Tour,” the 20 time Grandslam champion continued.

Roger Federer will face the winner of the match between Jeremy Chardy and Dan Evans in the second round of the Qatar Open. David Goffin, who lifted the Montpellier Open a couple of weeks ago, is also in the same half of the draw as Federer.

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