Roger Federer admits he could have retired after undergoing a second knee surgery during the coronavirus lockdown – but he has vowed to keep on competing when the tour resumes.
Federer has already ruled himself out of the rest of the 2020 season to ensure he is fully fit ahead of the 2021 Australian Open.
The Swiss star, who turns 39 next month, cannot have many more years left on the ATP tour.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are fast approaching Federer’s records which is providing motivation for him to continue playing.
But the 20-time Grand Slam winner has admitted he is close to the end.
“In principle I was only concerned with my health, but now I miss the feeling of playing in a full stadium,” Federer told German newspaper Zeit.
“I know that the time to retire is getting closer and closer and I think I will miss the circuit very much.
“I must be patient and keep working. It would be easy to have retired at this juncture, but I want to continue giving myself the opportunity to enjoy tennis.
“I will take some time to get back in good shape.”
Federer was forced to undergo knee surgery in the aftermath of the Australian Open and he went on to have another operation in June.
“There was a lot of rivalry between us and sometimes it was not easy.
“We had great duels, but we always had We respected each other and knew that we were references for many people and represented our beloved sport.
“Our families get along very well, we always congratulate each other on the triumphs.”
