Federer reflects on this year's Wimbledon performance - "I'm very happy I was just able to play"

After undergoing double knee surgery in 2020 and taking time off earlier this season, Roger Federer made his return to Wimbledon, where he fell in the quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.

The eight-time champion looked disappointed following the loss, although he later said the support he received from the fans helped soften the blow.

"The standing ovation I received there this year was certainly a special one,” Federer said in an interview with GQ. “When I left the court, I could feel the crowd’s love and their support.

“Obviously, it’s always hard leaving a court after losing at Wimbledon earlier than a final… When you reach a final, there’s a trophy ceremony, there’s more to it, but when you lose earlier, well, you pack your stuff and you go and, at that point, the stage is your winning opponent’s, in my mind, not yours. So that was important for me to give that one to Hubert, obviously, as quickly as possible.”

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Federer would go on to have another procedure on his knee, before announcing that he was taking the rest of the season off in order to recuperate and prepare for next year. During his hiatus, the 20-time Grand Slam champion had more time to reflect on his performance at the All England Club.

"For me personally now, you know, looking back a little bit, I’m actually very grateful, very happy I was just able to play,” added Federer. “I mean, my last year and a half, it’s been really difficult. It’s been hard with the double knee surgery I had last year and rehab was really slow.

“And, look, in some ways I wish I would have been in better shape for Wimbledon this year. But at the end of the day, I made the quarters – I played Wimbledon! Still! You can never take that sort of thing for granted.

“Remember, other guys never had a quarterfinal in their life at Wimbledon and I’ve had so many that I think I have got to have a little perspective and see that actually, overall, it was a really good tournament for me.”