“Roger Federer is still playing at the highest level’ Veteran Japanese player in awe of the Swiss’ ‘motivation and physical strength’
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Roger Federer and Toshihide Matsui
Former World No. 1 Roger Federer is preparing to return to the Tour for his 24th season. Having suffered a season-ending injury during his quarter-final run at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Federer had to undergo surgery that left him on crutches and will keep him away from the action for at least 2 more months.
With the 40-year old Federer not yet ready to hang up his boots, Japanese veteran player, 43-year old Toshihide Matsui, who is currently the oldest active singles player on the ATP ranking, talked and admired the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s longevity and his motivation to be ready for the Tour life once again despite having achieved nearly all that is to be achieved in the sport.
“The last time I had a unique opportunity to hit with Federer happened in 2006 when he came to play at the Japan Open (which he won beating Henman in the final). If I am not mistaken it was the first time that Roger participated in this event. I remember that the speed of the court was so fast and the ball did not bounce so high normally.
“But interestingly, during our rallies every ball and shot hit by Roger bounced even so high that I was so surprised how he did it. After our session, we took a photo in which we both looked very young. Anytime we met after this, he always had kind words for me. Wherever I travelled on the Tour if I had the opportunity to see him training I always checked it out.
“He is still playing at the highest level and how Roger is able to manage his mental motivation and psychical strength after so many years behind him…it is more than amazing. Surely, one of my wishes is to hit with him again. It’s gonna be fun, especially now as we are both over 40,” said Matsui in his recent interview with Ubitennis.
Toshihide Matsui ready to refer a great doctor for Roger Federer
With Matsui himself above 40, he is not far from injuries and has faced challenges similar to Federer. The Japanese talked about knowing a good doctor that could help Federer if the Swiss feels he needs a change in medical consultation.
“As a matter of fact, there is only a three-year age difference between Roger (40) and me (43). I am sure he is in very good hands and his team, the professionals who assist him, pay attention to every little detail. I wish his rehabilitation is going well and hope to see him again on the court as soon as possible.
“I know a really good Japanese acupuncture doctor, so if any issue may occur in his rehab, I am more than welcome to refer Roger to him if his knee or anything does not improve to an appropriate extent,” added Matsui extending a courteous hand to the former World No. 1 who has slipped to the 30th place in the ATP Rankings.
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Sarthak Shitole
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