Roger Federer
Tennis player Roger Federer arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California February 28, 2016. Reuters/Danny Moloshok

Roger Federer admitted that all the support from his fans and the tennis world during his post-knee surgery recuperation made him “really emotional” as the Swiss Maestro gears for his much-awaited come back.

In an exclusive interview with Tennis Magazine officiel, Federer thanked all those who supported during his time recovering from a knee surgery that repaired his torn left meniscus suffered a day after his Australian Open semifinal loss against Novak Djokovic. The 17-time Grand Slam winner said he is “very proud” and emotional with all the non-stop backing of fans all over the world.

“I've always said that the fact I get so much support, it's not normal for me,” Federer said as translated by Tennis World USA. “I'm really - I'm not sure if it's the right word - very proud, it makes me really emotional, getting all this support from all over the world.”

Federer is set to return at the Miami Open later this month after missing tournaments in Dubai and Rotterdam. The 34-year-old Swiss was originally scheduled to return at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, but moved his comeback to appearance at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in April to make sure Federer is in full health.

But after showing signs of good shape, which Federer made publicly via Twitter and Facebook, the world No. 3 has decided to immediately return to competition in Miami, where will bid for a third tournament title after winning back-to-back titles in the event back in 2005 and 2006.

However, Federer is not expected to immediately rise as the winner at the Miami Open due to his recent setback, although the Swiss could is capable of pulling off victories on such occasions. But with a dominating Djokovic set to compete in Miami for a record fifth title, Federer’s chance to win would be very slim.

RELATED STORIES