Roger Federer is set to play in the Laver Cup in September and in Basel in October.
The great rivalry between Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will soon be enjoyed once again on the tour as Federer recently announced his long awaited comeback.
Nadal will also return to action this week following a five-week layoff and Djokovic will be allowed to defend his title at Wimbledon with the easing of COVID restrictions.
Federer announces tournament comeback in Basel
Federer, who has been away from action for more than a year due to knee surgery, is set to make his tournament return at his home event in Basel on Oct. 25. He has earlier announced his participation in his brainchild tournament, the Laver Cup, in September.
Federer last saw action in Wimbledon in July last year where he dropped a shock 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 loss to Hubert Hurkacz. Federer later said that he hurt himself further during the grass court season and thus underwent an operation on his right knee – the third in a span of one and a half years.
Fans could not hold back their excitement about Federer’s comeback.
User @failedcupcakes wrote, “The king has returned.”
Meanwhile, @0maylily0 posted a GIF of three people rejoicing with the caption, “We RF fans right now.”
A certain @lizzieRF20 commented, “That’s the nicest thing I have heard in 2022 so far. (Music emojis) to my ears.”
The 20-time Grand Slam champion posted on his Instagram story that he is “looking forward to playing back home.”
Nadal will return in Madrid slated to begin this week
Rafael Nadal begins short Roland Garros preparation in Madrid.
Nadal will make his return to Madrid after being sidelined for five weeks due to a rib stress fracture he incurred in the final at Indian Wells.
The 13-time Roland Garros titlist made the announcement on his Twitter account.
“Despite having a short preparation and facing a difficult event, I can’t wait to play at home, where we don’t have many chances to do so. I’ll try to do my best. See you in Madrid!” said Nadal.
The Madrid Open also welcomed the return of its five-time champion.
Nadal’s supporters were thrilled with the news, with @ariel891115 saying, “Can’t wait. Vamos Rafa” and @SagarTi45256539 already anticipating Nadal’s 37th Masters title.
Djokovic set to defend Wimbledon title as COVID restrictions ease
Novak Djokovic looks to defend his titles in the next two majors.
World No. 1 Djokovic’s vaccination status prevented him from defending his Australian Open title last January. But as Wimbledon announced the non-requirement of vaccination for players, Djokovic could now do in London what he failed to do in Australia following his deportation.
Last month, the Serb was cleared to defend his reign at Roland Garros as France lifted COVID restrictions.
Djokovic has played sparingly this year and has only seen action in three tournaments so far, the last one in the Serbia Open where he lost to Andrey Rublev in the final 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-0.
User @settenisok on Twitter celebrated the return of the Big 3 saying, “You may like one of them more, but there is no denying that tennis is much better with all three.”