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Roger Federer is excited to return to the court to play some exhibition tennis. The Swiss Maestro’s retirement from the tour at September’s Laver Cup will forever be remembered as one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching moments not just in tennis, but all of sport.
The 40-year-old sobbed alongside his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal as he bid farewell to the game he holds so close to his heart. The 20-time major winner has previously spoken about his desire to thank fans around the world for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career, and what better way to do that in the form of exhibition tennis.
While this is something high on Federer’s list, after the latest update on his troublesome knee it may have to wait a little longer. “I want to go and play in places I’ve never been and thank the fans who have supported me throughout my career, that’s all I want,” Federer said via Italian outlet Gazetta.
“My intention is also to organise exhibitions but it is still too early, unfortunately. My knee is not yet in perfect condition and I have to be patient.
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“The doctors have advised me to be cautious and to wait a few months to see how the situation develops. This goes not only for tennis but also for other sports that I would like to play, but I have to take it easy.”
Post-retirement, Federer also has the desire to take his children to visit South Africa, the birthplace of his mother. “I would also like to take my children to Africa,” he added.
“Now that I’ve retired, we can also organise slightly more adventurous holidays.” Federer visited South Africa in February 2020 when he played an exhibition match with Rafael Nadal in front of 51,954 people – the highest attendance ever recorded at a tennis match.
“We have lived a very nice rivalry and I hope that we can do a joint tour in which we play against each other in places that could not enjoy our history,” Nadal said per Puntodebreak while in Mexico. “Mexico would be an ideal place.”
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