Roger Federer to broadcast Dubai training session live to thank fans for support during injury

Roger Federer has not played a competitive tournament since Wimbledon in July. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

Tennis superstar Roger Federer will be broadcasting a live training session in Dubai followed by a Q&A to thank his fans for their support during his injury layoff.

Federer, 35, has not played since his semi-final defeat to Milos Raonic at Wimbledon in July, having struggled to overcome a knee injury initially sustained at January’s Australian Open.

The 17-time grand slam champion is continuing his rehabilitation in Dubai as he prepares for the 2017 season, which he begins at the Hopman Cup on January 1.

Fans will be able to watch Federer, through his Periscope and Twitter accounts, at 2pm UAE time on Thursday as the former world No 1 goes through his paces.

“I know you all haven’t heard much from me while I’ve been recovering from injury,” Federer wrote on his Facebook page.

“I’m feeling healthy and ready to be back! Since it’s been a while, I wanted to do something special for all my fans who’ve been supporting me this whole time.

“This Thursday, December 22, at 2:00pm Dubai time, I’m going to broadcast my practice live on Twitter and Periscope.

“I’ll bring you along as I head to my practice court, and will stream some of my practice (warmup, drills, and even some points) live, and will leave some time for Q&A afterwards as well.

“I missed seeing you all in the second half of 2016. But hopefully you can join one of my last practices in 2016 live before 2017 kicks off! All you need to do is follow me on Periscope or visit my Twitter page at 2pm Dubai time to tune in.”

Federer is one of the most successful tennis players in history, winning more grand slam titles that any other male player, while his 302 weeks spent as world No 1 is a record. The Swiss has reached 27 grand slam finals, including 10 in a row from 2005 Wimbledon to 2007 US Open, both of which are also records.

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