No Roger Federer at Roland-Garros this year. The world No. 3, 38, who has just undergone a knee arthroscopy, is expected to return to the circuit for the grass tour before Wimbledon. Guy Forget, the director of the Parisian Grand Slam, is inevitably disappointed. But he still wants to believe in the presence of Switzerland ... in 2021.
What does Federer's absence in Paris inspire in you?
GUY FORGET. There is logically a little disappointment. The party is all the more beautiful at Roland-Garros when all the older kids are there. Everyone wants to see how Roger, at almost 40, copes with the Tsitsipas, Thiem, etc. We are always delighted to see the three Galactics (Editor's note: with Nadal and Djokovic) facing the new generation. The fact that he is not there takes away the pleasure of seeing one of these shocks. These fans who could not see him at the last Rolex Paris Masters (Editor's note: where he had forfeited in the wake of his victory in Basel) and who rejoiced will be sad.
pic.twitter.com/VVGI1o8XYZ
- Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 20, 2020What does that change for the tournament?
In terms of ticket sales, that doesn't change anything. What changes is that its presence generates a greater buzz before the competition. When the tournament begins, he takes over. This 2020 edition will be remarkable with its new roof. Besides, the possibility of playing indoors if it has to be closed is rather to Roger's advantage. I really hope that one day we will see him play on the new Central.
Do you really imagine seeing him in Paris in May 2021?
Yes. He is so amazing by all that he has accomplished. When you look at the history of the game, you see boys like Connors or Rosewall who were competitive at 40. And he still has qualities superior to these players on the physical level, with an even more fluid game. He likes the game, he is happy to play and shows it every year. Even if he is no longer ranked 2, 3 or 4 in the world, he can arrive at Roland-Garros and make an exceptional course there if his body leaves him alone. He still remains on a half against Rafa! After that, he already played so many more years than we imagined. You really have to tell yourself that every time you see it on a court, it's a bonus.
12th Roland-Garros final and 22 match win in a row, Rafael Nadal secures a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over rival Federer.
Highlights with @Emirates # RG19 pic.twitter.com/cnESAQlWja
Hasn't he done too much in recent months?
He played a lot at the end of the season with his exhibition tour in South America, his charity match in Cape Town and the Australian Open on hard, which is a traumatic surface. In 2020 and 2021, he may be even more careful about his choices. Even if these are cool matches, on hard, the physical constraints are very important.
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How far do you see it going?
He will play as long as he feels he is competitive. Six, seven years ago, some people thought it was over or the year too many. He won three Grand Slams behind. He was so surprised by his ability to recover and replay. If he had had a more serious injury like Andy Murray (note: hip) , or a herniated disc, we could be pessimistic but an arthroscopy of the knee is not an intervention which calls into question a career.