Roger Federer Talks About His Left Knee Injury, Cautions His Expectations Are Low This Week
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After a shock announcement last month that he had underwent knee surgery, Roger Federer met the press in Miami today and explained what led to the injury.
“It happened the day after the Djokovic match,” Federer said. “I woke up, I don’t know exactly remember what happened, I think I was going to run a bath for the girls. I made a very simple movement, turned back, heard a click in my knee. Went to the zoo. My leg was swollen.
“Came back and had an MRI done in Switzerland. Saw a doctor right after the MRI. He said I had to have surgery on Tuesday. I did that in Switzerland.
“Here I am seven weeks and two days later. I’m very happy how it went, but clearly that was very sad when I did get the news I did have to have an operation because I thought I was going to get through my career without any. It was a big shock and, yeah, disappointing when I got the news.”
Federer said because he was in such great shape at the time on the injury, his was able to recover much quicker. And he added it was a good thing he didn’t hurt it on the tennis court.
“I remember I turned, I felt my knee was funny, I turned back,” he said. “That’s when I heard a click. I did feel that something was strange in my knee. Very simple movement, probably a movement I’ve done a million times in my life for sure. So I’m happy it didn’t happen on a tennis court. I’m happy it didn’t happen in a moment where I could maybe strain it more. It was very simple. All I did after that was walking.
“Maybe that’s why I’m also here seven weeks later. I came into the surgery totally fit because I just came off a great training block in tennis, a lot of tennis in Jan. My body was really in good shape. It would have been tough to recover if I had been on vacation for two weeks and then injury struck.
“This way, it was a faster recovery because of it.”
He also revelead he spent 12 days on crutches.
“So I was on crutches for 12 days, maybe. Full training, no restrictions whatsoever, probably a week ago, nine days ago. Just managing, as well, progress, not wanting to overdo it, but also pushing it so I knew I could play three-hour matches and all that.
Federer won’t have much time to work himself into top form. Tomorrow afternoon, he’ll face maybe the toughest second round draw in former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.
“If I feel something tomorrow, I won’t play,” he said. “It’s very simple. Expectations are really low, which is nice for a change. Just see where I am, go out there. Once you’re out there, you want to win, it’s clear. I’m a competitor. I’m just really pleased I’m back. I didn’t expect myself to be back here so soon after surgery.”
Both Federer and del Potro are returning from injuries.
“It’s nice to see him back,” Federer said of the Argentine. “I haven’t seen him play at all since he’s been back, so I’m not quite sure what to expect, even though my coach went to see his match yesterday.
“His injury was much, much greater. That’s why I’m really pleased for him that he was able to find a way back onto the tour.”
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