Roger Federer Blames Bath Mishap For Injury That Led To Surgery

World No. 3 Men’s Tennis Player Roger Federer blames a bathroom mishap while on parental duty for the knee injury that forced him to undergo surgery for the very first time in his entire career.

Roger Federer Blames Bath Mishap For Injury That Led To Surgery

Federer spoke at a press conference on Thursday, on the eve of his first match since the Feb. 3 operation, and explained that he hurt himself while preparing a bath for his twin daughters. He turned suddenly and heard his left knee click.

“It was a very simple movement, probably a movement I’ve done a million times in my life,” he said. “I didn’t think much of it when it did happen.”

Federer’s ankle soon became swollen, which led him to undergo arthroscopic surgery just a few days later to repair a torn meniscus. He is scheduled to return Friday, when he will face longtime Argentine rival Juan Martin del Potro in the second round of the Miami Open.

Federer, 34, is now playing in Key Biscane for the 16th time, even though he missed the tournament last year due to scheduling reasons.

Following his speedy recovery, Federer made a late decision to enter the tournament this month. He was on crutches for 12 days and has trained without restrictions for the past nine days.

“Expectations are really low, which is nice for a change — just see where I am,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. “I’m just really pleased I’m back. I didn’t expect myself to be back here, to be quite honest, after the surgery.”

Federer’s layoff comes amidst a scandal involving Maria Sharapova failing a doping test, and a heated debate regarding equal prize money for men and women.

“I’m happy that tennis has produced some of the greatest female athletes in the world,” he said. “Equal prize money is a good thing.”

Fellow Grand Slam champion del Potro is also recovering from an injury. He returned to the tour in February after an 11-month layoff, during which he twice underwent surgery on his left wrist.

“His injury was much, much greater,” Federer said. “That’s why I’m really pleased for him that he was able to find a way back onto the tour.”

Federer is 15-5 against del Potro, including 5-1 in Grand Slam tournaments. His only loss came in the 2009 U.S. Open final for del Potro’s lone major title.