Roger Federer’s hopes of successful a fourth title in Qatar have been dashed after Wednesday’s quarterfinal exit however the Swiss mentioned his first occasion after two knee surgical procedures was only a ‘stepping stone’ as he focused full health for the grasscourt season.
Federer took the opening set in opposition to Nikoloz Basilashvili earlier than the Georgian fought again to win 3-6, 6-1, 7-5, ending the 39-year-old Swiss’ problem on the match – his first occasion in 14 months.
“I’m actually happy that I was able to play back-to-back three-set matches against top players. That`s an important step forward to me,” Federer, who beat Dan Evans in the last-16, instructed reporters.
“Like I said, I’m not 100% yet. I can feel it, I can see it. From that standpoint, (what’s) important is to be 100% by the grasscourt season… I’m still building up. So this is a stepping stone. I`m actually happy how I felt today on court overall.”
Federer initially eyed a return ultimately month’s Australian Open however gradual progress in his restoration satisfied him to skip the Grand Slam and he mentioned he would play in occasions which might assist him regain his health earlier than Wimbledon.
It’s been nice to be again on the @atptour , liked each minute enjoying in Doha as soon as once more.
An enormous thanks to the very best and dependable workforce that helped me get right here.
I’ve determined it is best to return to coaching and in consequence, I’ve determined to withdraw from Dubai subsequent week. pic.twitter.com/zp65Jt832n— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 11, 2021
Tied with Rafa Nadal on 20 Grand Slam wins, Federer has gained Wimbledon eight occasions. “We’ve just got to take a real good look at the schedule and… see how much workload the body and knee can still take, what’s the best way to prepare for basically the beginning of the season for me, which is the grasscourt season,” he added.
Federer additionally mentioned he had not but determined if he would play in Dubai, an ATP 500 occasion which begins on Sunday. “I’ll decide probably in the next 24 hours,” he mentioned.
