"I always think that as long as he's in the draw, there is a chance": Roger Federer says don't count out this player ahead of the US Open
ATPTuesday, 25 August 2026 at 04:30
Roger Federer will return to play an exhibition at the US Open in the coming days at 40. A privilege for tennis fans with Federer somewhat shunning the limelight apart from the odd appearance in previous years, he has kept more of a lower profile since retiring from the sport and while it won't herald any thoughts of a full-time return, it is a coup for the tournament.
Especially a tournament which on the men's side again is decimated, Jannik Sinner isn't playing and while Carlos Alcaraz is, he is a huge injury doubt. While who could step forward? Could it be Federer's old sparring partner in Novak Djokovic, he had his say earlier today.
"Not just here, not just there. He's done it in every place and, you know, at the highest of levels. So I always think that as long as he's in the draw, there is a chance. And I think that's also one of the reasons he's still playing, because he actually truly must believe that he can still do it. And that's my opinion too," said Federer.
"I haven't seen the documentary yet. And, well, I mean, I just think we played each other almost 50 times on all the different surfaces and all the biggest courts. It was a pleasure to play against an incredible player, unbelievable fighter, figured out his game, became bigger and stronger and better. And it's amazing that he's still going. I'm very impressed."
Albeit he hasn't missed it he admits as he aims to return to action in a exhibition and that he hasn't missed putting his body through the ringer despite enjoying playing with his kids and training in the gym.
"I haven't really missed it, you know, because you're happy not to put the body through the grind. I don't know how to explain, or maybe it explains it, just not wanting to be out there and defending and scrapping.
"And so the preparation has just been hitting more tennis balls again, you know, because very quickly when you're retired, I think you go through days and weeks and months all of a sudden where you're hitting very little.
"So you have to make it a priority. And my kids are getting older, so I get a chance to play more with them. And depending on where we are, I can also just, you know, knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, which says doubles match, singles match, whatever it may be, you just have a reason to go back on court. And actually, it's very helpful.
"I've been in the gym a lot. I love working out with my wife and with my friends whenever we hang out. So I've been doing a lot of that, but it's not like playing tennis, you know."
Passing wisdom onto Musetti
With the downfall of single handed backhand that he very much pioneered, he hopes to put wisdom onto Lorenzo Musetti who he practice with and gave reasons perhaps for it being somewhat outlawed.
"I don't know. That's why I'm maybe practising with Musetti this afternoon in an hour, making sure he's ready. You know, give him some wisdom. Obviously, we'll see his draw and everything. But no, of course, I love seeing one-handers do well.
"Look, I think I was doing an interview this morning, actually, and it reminded me that my coaches when I was growing up were, I would say, 90% one-handers. So I think when your coach is a one-handed tennis player, you will be most likely a one-handed tennis player, too. I don't know. That's just a little bit of a feel I'm getting.
"Now, nowadays, probably the coaches are mostly double-handed players, right? And it's just easier to teach a kid to have two hands on the backhand side, just because I have one of my kids. He's switching from a double-hander to a one-hander, and I just see how hard it is for him to hit it and to control it.
Lorenzo Musetti getting wisdom from Federer.
"And sure, eventually, you get control, but it just takes time, right? And nowadays, we don't have time. Everything has to happen immediately. If you do technical changes, it takes too long, and it's too frustrating. So might as well just stick with what you have.
"And I think that's also one of the reasons we see a lot of double-handers. And then you add racket technology, string technology, maybe the slowness of maybe the tennis balls and the courts nowadays, and just that we're working less maybe potentially on transition, less on volleys, whereas maybe back in the day, I used to do 50-50 volleys and net play and baseline game.
"And before my time, it probably was like 80% net play and 20% baseline drills, and now it's like 90-10, right? Just baseline, and that's why I think the double-hander just allows you, especially with the open stance sliding, like what we've seen Rafa do and Novak do, that it's amazing how you are able to defend out of that side because before, we had the feeling that you were short on the backhand side if you had two hands.
"And the one-hander was an advantage there, which it seems like it's not naturally the case anymore. Now, I don't know how much also people get injured more with double-handed backhands because you always hear about left-handed wrists, if you're a righty, with the flick, how that ends up creating problems as well, but I don't think that's going to stop anybody from hitting double-handers.
"And I just think the accumulation of all that has created that we see so many more double-handers. It's just an easier shot to learn, I think, when you're younger, but I'm still hopeful that it's not the end."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
- Her main problem is that she needs a new coach. Her dad made her win the AO, but she needs somebody to make her stronger mentally, and improve her game.swantiez19-08-2026
- Stop the madness! Tournament directors operate in insanity everytime they give Venus a wildcard. They are using her just to rake in the money! Can she not see that!? They don't care about her! They care about the money. I cannot stand to see her play and now Serena has joined the madness. Unbelievable! They just need to retire and go enjoy their beautiful husbands and kids....smh. The madness is Unbelievable!!!Rapunzel18-08-2026
Loading