By Adrianna Outlaw | Monday, April 20, 2020
Iconic rivals Rafael Nadal and Rafael Nadal reunited for an Instagram Live chat today with the Swiss Maestro sharing an update on his surgically-repaired knee.
Photo credit: @LaverCup
Roger Federer is spending some of coronavirus lockdown facing an unerring opponent.
The wall in his backyard.
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Iconic rivals Rafael Nadal and Federer reunited for a chat on Instagram Live today.
The 38-year-old Swiss, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February, revealed his knee has "been getting better" during recent rehab sessions.
"I’ve been hitting against the wall a little bit," Federer told Nadal at about the 26-minute mark of the video below. "Rehab, with the knee, it’s okay. I had a really good first six weeks and then it was a bit slower.
"Now, it’s getting better again. I have plenty of time, so there is no stress, no rush."
Initially, Federer had hoped to return in time for the grass-court season.
Wimbledon cancelled for the first time in 75 years to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 167,000 people.
The ATP and WTA Tours jointly announced continued suspension of the pro circuit until July 13th.
The eight-time Wimbledon winner told Nadal the enforced break has allowed him to take his time with rehab and said he's "happy" with his recent progress.
"If there is anything positive—that’s the only thing really—that I have plenty of time," Federer told Nadal. "At the end of the day, I just want the knee to be good. It doesn’t matter when I return. I’ve been hitting a little bit against the wall and doing my fitness and rehab and everything.
"So things have been okay for me. I feel happy. After the second surgery—I don’t know how may you’ve had—it’s easier the second time around. But I don’t need to experience the third one, that’s for sure.”
Federer showed a sense of humor asking Nadal, who is in lockdown at home in Spain, when he last hit.
"I didn’t touch a racquet since Indian Wells,” Rafa replied.
“Perfect, you won’t be able to play tennis anymore when you come back,” Roger joked in response.