Roger Federer’s proud match retirement record at stake against Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer is set to play his Australian Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic.
Roger Federer has never retired from a tennis match but his record will be tested when he plays Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-final. In his 21 years as a professional, the Swiss star has always started and finished a match he’s played.
That is a remarkable 1,511 matches.
Federer has withdrawn from matches with an injury before he was due to play but that has only been a handful of times.
And that is why his decision to play against Djokovic is so significant.
Federer is dealing with stiffness in his right thigh which affected him in the quarter-finals against Tennys Sandgren.
After the match, Federer stressed that the injury was not serious enough for him to stop playing and he was ultimately able to win.
But the 38-year-old opted NOT to practise on Wednesday and instead received treatment on the issue.
And on Thursday, Federer decided to train indoors, away from prying eyes.
However, just hours before the match he was spotted with tape around his right thigh which suggests it has not fully healed.
Three-time Australian Open champion Mats Wilander claimed Federer had a responsibility to play otherwise it would be a disaster for tennis.
Had the event been an ATP Tour match, it is possible Federer would have decided to pull out and not risk it.
But the possibility of reaching another Grand Slam final seems to be leading the 20-time major winner’s decision making.
And Wilander feels Federer will have enough strength to push Djokovic as far as he can.
Three-time Australian Open champion Mats Wilander claimed Federer had a responsibility to play otherwise it would be a disaster for tennis.
Had the event been an ATP Tour match, it is possible Federer would have decided to pull out and not risk it.
But the possibility of reaching another Grand Slam final seems to be leading the 20-time major winner’s decision making.
And Wilander feels Federer will have enough strength to push Djokovic as far as he can.