Recovering Federer in 'race against time' to play Australian Open
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer said he was in a "race against time"
to be fit for the Australian Open as his recovery from two rounds of
knee surgery takes longer than expected.
The 39-year-old has been
out of action since February, when he underwent keyhole surgery on his
right knee. In June, Federer revealed a follow-up operation and called
off his 2020 season.
But despite months of rehabilitation, the 20-time Grand Slam champion
said he was still not "100 percent" for the Australian Open, which looks
likely to be delayed from January to February over coronavirus
restrictions.
"It's a race against time. Of course it would help if I had a little
bit more time. But it's going to be close," Federer said at an awards
ceremony in Switzerland, according to Swiss media.
"I would have
hoped that I'd be at a 100 percent already in October. But I'm not at
this level even today. It will be a close call for the Australian Open,"
he added.
Federer even set off speculation about his future when
he said: "I hope there is still something to see of me in the new year.
We will see."
Federer said the coming months were "immensely important" as he
contemplates a busy 2021 including the Tokyo Olympics, where he is
targeting a first singles gold medal.
"I wish I'd made more progress, but I'm nevertheless satisfied with where I am," he said.
"My second knee surgery was a huge setback, but in the past months things have gone steadily forward.
"We're taking our time, but the next two, three months will become immensely important for me."
Federer, known for his elegant style of play, has got off lightly
with injuries during a career in which he has won 103 singles titles,
including all four majors.
He previously had arthroscopic surgery
on his left knee - the first operation of his career - in early 2016,
after suffering a freak injury while running a bath for his daughters.
Federer was voted the best Swiss athlete since 1950 at Sunday's ceremony and said it was an "incredible" honour.
Date: 14 December 2020, Source: AFP and Reuters
