'He's checking': Roger Federer busted by coach during live chat

If there were concerns about how the shutdown of tennis had affected Roger Federer's professionalism, then a funny incident over the weekend shone some light on the situation.

At 38 years of age and with a men's record 20 grand slam titles to his name, Federer could be forgiven for easing up on his training regime while in lockdown.

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The Swiss maestro is still recovering from a knee operation, and with Wimbledon's cancellation ruining arguably his best chance to claim a 21st grand slam title this year, Federer could be excused for being somewhat short on motivation.

In a video call with Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten - where Federer was asked a series of questions about the tennis shutdown and his future - a humorous moment showed that his coach Severin Luthi isn't about to let the Swiss star take his foot off the pedal.

Federer was in the middle of a sentence when the call was interrupted by his Luthi, who appeared to be checking up on whether Federer was keeping up with his training schedule.

"Sorry, this is my coach calling," Federer chuckles as he explains the interruption to Kuerten.

"He's checking on me if I'm being serious."

Both men found the funny side of the situation, with Federer later telling Kuerten that he can't see professional tennis resuming anytime soon.

Swiss ace not a fan of playing behind closed doors

Federer revealed that couldn't "see a reason" to return to a normal training regime at the moment, instead deciding to give his body some much needed rest.

"I am happy with my body now and I still believe that the return of the tour is a long way off," Federer said.

"And I think it's important mentally to enjoy this break, having played so much tennis.

"When I'm getting towards returning and have a goal to train for, I think I will be super motivated."

Federer dismissed the idea of playing without fans once the tennis tours get back underway following the coronavirus crisis.

While Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have both supported the idea of playing in empty stadiums, Federer says he hopes it doesn’t happen

“I can’t imagine competing in an empty stadium, I don’t succeed and I hope it never happens,” he said during the video call with Kuerten

“As much as when we train there are no people, competing is very different.

“It is clear that the possibility is feasible. But I think we could wait for the appropriate moment to return in the best conditions, with at least a third of the stadium full or half in.

“It would be very difficult for me to play major tournaments behind closed doors.”