2020 is about to end, but there is still no certain date for the start of the new season.
According to the latest rumors, the Australian Open should start on February 8, so as to allow players to reach Australia (necessarily between January 15 and 17) and carry out the two weeks of mandatory quarantine.
Some tournaments scheduled for February could be brought forward to January to make room for the Happy Slam. Fans are eager to see Roger Federer return to the field, whose last official appearance dates back to the semi-final against Novak Djokovic played this year in Melbourne.
The Swiss phenomenon has operated on his knee twice in the space of a few weeks, deciding not to force recovery times also due to the delicate situation linked to the pandemic.
In a recent interview, the 20-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he is eager to play in front of a large audience, but the feeling is that it will still take a long time to review the full stadiums.
Federer looking forward to an epic comeback
While chatting in an online tennis event with Japanese star Kei Nishikori, Roger Federer acknowledged that even though there is a lot of uncertainty around the sport right now, the importance of fan support in big matches cannot be overstated.
“I want to play in front of all the fans soon, but I don’t know what the situation will be,” Federer said. “I’m experiencing a situation where I’m not there, but the cheers of all the fans are very helpful in big games.
I still can’t see the schedule for next year (due to the new coronavirus), but I’m looking forward to next year,” Federer said. “This year, I’ve only participated in the Australian Open and some exhibitions.
I’ve had two surgeries, so I can’t wait to come back.” The eight-time Wimbledon champion believes that his time away from the sport has been a fruitful one, as it has given him a much-needed break after more than two decades of non-stop tennis.
“Switzerland is currently locked down,” Federer said. “I think it’s hard for people who work and shop. I spent time with my family doing right knee rehab, training and mountain climbing. I’ve been touring for about 22 years now, so I think this time was very meaningful to me”.
The 2021 Australian Open has been delayed by a few weeks owing to the strict quarantine protocols in Australia. It will now begin on February 8th.
The Australian Open organizers were scrambling to schedule the Grand Slam and now with the delay, ATP will have to cramp up the season again in 11 months.
