IPTL: Will the injured Roger Federer recover in time to play in Delhi?

Bangalore, Nov 17: Indian tennis fans are hoping Swiss superstar Roger Federer recovers in time from his injury to play for Indian Aces in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

Fans photoshop Federer images

Federer pulled out of yesterday's (November 16) ATP World Tour Finals in London against Novak Djokovic of Serbia due to a back injury.

The 33-year-old is hoping to be fit quickly to play for Switzerland in the Davis Cup Final starting this Friday (November 21), against France and later IPTL. ('Honour to play in India')

"I'm sorry I'm not fit to play. I hope you understand. I wanted to come out personally and explain. I did everything I could. I took pain-killers, had rest until the very end, but I just cannot compete at this level with Novak (Djokovic). At my age it would've been a risk," he said after withdrawing from the Finals.

"Recover obviously as quick as possible and then travel to France at some point and get ready on the clay for the Davis Cup Final," Federer said when asked about his immediate plans.

"This back spasm (or) whatever it might be, it's just not a fun thing to have during the day. It's just uncomfortable. But I'm positive and I'm hopeful that it's going to go away very soon," he added.

This injury is definitely not good news for Indian fans. He is set to play in New Delhi from December 6 to 8. However, he will play in the inaugural leg of IPTL in Manila from November 28.

There has been huge demand for Federer's matches in Delhi and the first phase of tickets were sold out in just 20 minutes, according to the organisers.

Federer has 10 days time to be fit and play for Indian Aces. They face Singapore Slammers on November 28.

OneIndia News