“It’s an Uphill Battle”: Andy Roddick Feels Roger Federer Is Near the End of His Career

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has been having a rough time since the past couple of seasons. The tennis ace has been forced to undergo two knee surgeries, which has kept him on the sidelines for a lengthy duration. Not long ago, he took to social media, revealing he would need a third surgery now on his knee again. 

On hearing this, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick spoke on this recent development with regard to Roger Federer. He felt that the 20-time champion wasn’t moving well during the Wimbledon Championships this season. He also mentioned Federer should get to leave the game on his own terms. 

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer waves after losing his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz Pool via REUTERS/Edward Whitaker

The former US Open champion stated, “It feels inevitable at this point. He was coming back from his two knee surgeries, he wasn’t moving well. Maybe, he’s a shadow of what we know Roger. To have him come back even he knows it’s an uphill battle. I personally hope he gets to come out and at least leave on his own terms. I don’t care if he’s not good as he once was, that’s unimportant to me at this point. What’s important is that he gets to have the goodbye he wants.”

Andy Roddick feels Roger Federer should call the shots 

Roddick also mentioned Federer’s professionalism, particularly the fact he has never retired from a match midway. It’s acceptable to him that Roger isn’t the same player he once was but felt he has earned to right to call it a day on his own terms. 

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer leaves Centre Court after losing his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz Pool via REUTERS/Edward Whitaker TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The 38-year-old further added, “If he wants to say goodbye to fans at a tournament then he should be able to do that. We need to be patient. It’s horrible to see the icons of the game because their bodies go out. The guy has got to 40 and his body has been amazing. One of the most amazing stats in sports history is that he’s never retired from a match.”

Presently, Federer has decided to opt for another knee surgery and added that he would be away from the courts for many months. In fact, he will be on crutches for the initial weeks after his surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him on the courts soon. 

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

I don’t know if it’s the end for my friend @rogerfederer , but if it is …….. https://t.co/mUSRPNgRQW

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) August 16, 2021

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