PERTH, Australia — When Roger Federer withdrew from the French Open in 2016 it ended a run of 65 consecutive Grand Slam appearances. The six months he later spent off tour was his longest break in almost two decades as a professional.
That he has competed without any major injuries or absences until then points to the remarkable professionalism Federer has maintained throughout his long career.
In his comeback at Mastercard Hopman Cup 2017 – where a fully healthy and motivated Federer has thrilled fans with the news he hopes to compete for several more years – the Swiss star has showcased the best of his commitment and hard work.
Opening his first practice session to more than 6000 fans just hours after a long flight into Perth, the 17-time Grand Slam champion explained that the support he’d received at other international events highlights what a causal observer can learn from watching professionals prepare.
“Ever since I’ve thought, you know, there’s such an appetite for people to maybe see practice,” said Federer. “Because I think practice is always very interesting (for them) to see.”
Other sessions with his team in Perth have been low key, although the buzz quickly grows whenever the Swiss steps on court. Fans soon gathered when they discovered Federer was practising on the outside court at Perth Arena a day before his Hopman Cup rubber with Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
In between their excited efforts to grab a selfie or an autograph from the Swiss star, fans witnessed the dedication that’s required to compete at the top of the game as he hit with Western Australia’s Matt Ebden in 30-plus degree heat.
Belinda Bencic, his partner at Mastercard Hopman Cup, learned that simply being around the long-time professional provides many opportunities to learn in her first practice session with Federer in Perth.
“Actually this was the first practice and the first balls, my arm was so heavy but I think I did OK,” she said.
“Everything he says is really good advice so I try to listen and just also learn from how relaxed he is, how easy he makes things.
“Sometimes I think it’s like exactly this. We think we need it so much and we have to want it so much that sometimes it’s better to relax a little bit.”
Of course the languid Federer makes it look easy too. Few players – or even people – show such easy confidence as the prolific champion, but it’s a state he’s achieved through years of hard work.
