Roger Federer opens up on injury 'worry' heading into Wimbledon after Halle Open exit

Roger Federer has expressed concern about his injuries as he steps up his preparation for Wimbledon, conceding that overcoming two surgeries on his right knee has been a “huge challenge”.  

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has struggled with a knee injury over the last couple of years and recently withdrew from the French Open over his fears.

He has had two separate surgeries on his right knee in the last 18 months.

Federer suffered a surprise defeat against 20-year-old Felix Auger Aliassime in the last-16 of the Halle Open on Wednesday.

The world No 21 defeated the 39-year-old 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Aliassime faces Marcos Giron in Friday’s quarter-final.

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“I didn’t mind the whole rehab process and all that stuff. It has been one that I have also enjoyed, something different.

“I was able to stay home with the family and that was nice from that standpoint.

“But then of course once you get back on the court you want it so badly like you used to, and then you get disappointed with a performance or shots or a feeling you have or negativity that creeps in.

“You just are [like], ‘That’s too bad. Why is that happening?’ And you’re just trying to figure that out.

“But I think that’s why I’ve always explained throughout this process, I need to take every match as information, I need to figure it out. I need to understand why it’s going on.”

Federer’s fears hint at a suggestion that he might not be fully fit when Wimbledon begins on June 28.

He has won the Grand Slam eight times, with the first coming in 2003.

Federer’s last success came in 2017 when he defeated Marin Cilic in straight sets.