Roger Federer unsure on playing at Australian Open as he continues recovery from knee surgery

ByEurosport

Updated 14/12/2020 at 09:12 GMT

Roger Federer may not compete at the Australian Open in 2021. The 20-time Grand Slam champion said in October that he was on the "right track" after two knee surgeries, but he is now facing a "race against time" to be fit for Melbourne. Federer has not played a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open this year.

Roger Federer is facing a "race against time" to see if he will be fit for the Australian Open as he recovers from two surgeries on his left knee.

Federer, who turns 40 in August next year, has not played a competitive match since losing to Novak Djokovic in Melbourne in January.

He said in October that he expected to return for the first Grand Slam of the year, but is now unsure whether he will be 100 per cent fit.

Tennis

Alcaraz, Sinner 'already announcing themselves' as 'superstars,' says Federer

15/03/2024 at 17:25

"I would have hoped that I would be 100% in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open," said Federer at an awards ceremony in Switzerland.

“It’s a race against time. I’m curious to see whether it will start on February 8. Of course, it would help if I had a bit more time.

"The second knee operation was a huge damper, but in the last six months there has been steady progress.

• Federer targets Olympic gold, 'selfishly pleased' it was postponed
• Murray: I was not at my fittest this year

"Let's see how the next two months will unfold. I've been doing a lot of physio and physical work lately, now let's see how the tennis is doing."

Federer re-lives his Australian Open highs and lows... including those famous Nadal matches

The Australian Open is scheduled for January 18-31 but there have been reports it could be pushed back to a February 8-21 window due to Covid-19 protocols.

Even with a three-week delay it might not be enough for Federer, who has won the Australian Open six times.

Federer was voted the best Swiss athlete since 1950 at Sunday's ceremony and said it was an "incredible" honour.

"I hope there is still something to see from me next year," he added. "But if that was it, that would have been an incredible ending for me at these Sports Awards."

Additional reporting by Reuters

ATP Indian Wells

Federer calls on Tsitsipas to 'take it to next level' and bounce back from dip in form

14/03/2024 at 09:37

Tennis

Federer dazzles on basketball court in front of NBA superstar Curry

10/03/2024 at 10:54

ATP Indian Wells

Djokovic admits to 'strange feeling' competing without absent Nadal and retired Federer

08/03/2024 at 14:27