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'Race against time': Roger Federer bombshell rocks tennis world

andrew reid
·4-min read
Pictured here, Roger Federer admits he's in doubt for the Australian Open in 2021.
Roger Federer admits he's racing the clock to be fit for the Australian Open. Pic: Getty

Roger Federer admits he's a doubt to play in next year's Australian Open grand slam, even hinting that he may have played his last tennis match.

The 39-year-old’s update - at an awards night in his native Switzerland - has shocked tennis fans around the world.

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The 20-times grand slam champion has not played since being injured en route to the semi-finals at Melbourne Park last year.

Federer has been recovering in his homeland after undergoing knee surgery for a second time earlier this year, in the hopes of being right for an assault in 2021.

However, he revealed at the awards night that even the delayed start to the season's first major, likely to be February 8 instead of January 19, may not be enough time.

"I would have hoped that I would be 100 per cent in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open," Federer said.

Roger Federer is seen here giving a speech at an awards night in Switzerland.
Roger Federer dropped a hint about his potential retirement at the awards night in Switzerland. Pic: Twitter

The Swiss maestro conceded that if the tournament is pushed back three weeks to its likely February 8 start date, it will no doubt help his cause.

"It will be complicated for the Australian Open. I don't want to take the next step until I'm ready. These three weeks could help me a bit.

"I'm curious to see whether it will start on February 8.

"Of course, it would help if I had a bit more time."

Turning 40 next August, Federer - a six-times champion in Melbourne - said his 2021 priorities remain Wimbledon, the US Open and Tokyo Olympics, where he will be bidding for a first singles gold medal, the only major prize still eluding him.

Federer is seen here with his last Wimbledon title in 2017.
Federer would love another crack at a record-extending ninth Wimbledon title. Pic: Getty

Retirement hint leaves fans in disbelief

Federer underwent a second round of surgery on his right knee in the middle of the year, having suffered a similar injury during his five-set Wimbledon semi-final loss to Milos Raonic in 2016.

On that occasion, the Swiss marvel made an extraordinary comeback to win his fifth Australian Open crown in 2017 with an epic five-set final triumph over Rafael Nadal in his first official tournament appearance in six months.

Federer was voted the best Swiss athlete in the last 70 years at the awards night, however, fans were more concerned by a startling hint that he could have played his last tennis match.

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

The extraordinary nod to potential retirement left tennis fans understandably shaken on social media.

with agencies

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