Roger Federer played first match in one year, returned to action at Qatar Open

Roger Federer played his first match on Wednesday and won his first set as the 20-time Grand Slam champion returned from injury to face British number one Dan Evans at the Qatar Open. Federer, who underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, won the toss during the Kovid-19 after joking with the umpire about the rules of the game and was elected to first place in Doha, after 7-6 (tie-tie) Won the first set. 10/8). The 39-year-old had to go to war, saving a set point against a player who was a recent training partner.

Federer received a resounding reception from a 20 percent capacity crowd at Doha’s Khalifa Tennis Complex, back at some of that crowd, some of whom painted portraits of the Swiss star, while others changed their national colors Placed at the top.

Federer initially went on to win his service game, which was furious by Evans, he also won his opening service game.

Federer, the second seed of the tournament, faced a break point at 4-4, but was able to pull it back.

Evans scored two points in a row against Federer’s serve in a tie-break but Federer proved irreplaceable, winning the first set in 49 minutes.

Federer has not played a match since Novak Djokovic’s semifinal defeat at the Australian Open in January 2020, 405 days ago – and admitted it was unusual for a player his age to return after an injury.

“I know it is rare for a 40-year-old man to come back after a year,” he said at a media briefing in Doha, the Qatari capital on Sunday.

“I think there’s still something – retirement was never really on the cards.”

While he was out of action, he saw Rafael Nadal with his record Grand Slam title equal to the 13th Roland Garros victory.

‘I wanted to do this’

Meanwhile, Djokovic captured the ninth Australian Open last month to take his career slam tally to 18.

Federer has emphasized his recovery from knee surgery that was “completely under control” ahead of his return to competitive tennis.

Federer will turn 40 in August and he said he hoped to be “100 percent” for Wimbledon in June, but had not decided on the tournament then or before the Tokyo Olympics.

Federer is an eight-time Wimbledon winner, but has so far won a singles gold medal at the Olympics.

“It’s still building to be fitter, better, faster,” he said.

“I’ll see about Dubai (a week after Doha) … then we’ll see about the clay court season.”

Federer said that while he was disappointed not to return to the full house due to Qatar’s coronovirus prevention measures, he was happy for some fans.

“I am happy that I am playing again and am excited to experience what it will sound like,” he said.

Promoted

Federer, who had 103 career titles to remain just six behind Jimmy Connors’ record, said complications after his two knee surgeries prompted him to return to form.

“I knew I wanted to do this rehab for my life somehow, regardless of whether I came back or not,” he said.