The 40-year-old Federer was linked with making his eagerly anticipated return from injury in Melbourne, but his will have to wait a lot longer.

Following his exit from Wimbledon during the quarter-finals earlier in the year the Swiss master underway further surgery to his knee.

Federer has indicated that he will make his return in 2022, but at this stage he is in a race for time to compete at Wimbledon and he will retire from the sport on his own terms.

“I would be extremely surprised if I could play Wimbledon.

“I will be able to resume running quietly in January and resume sessions on the court with complex support in March or April.

“I therefore estimate my return to competition in the summer of 2022.

“My ambition is to see what I'm capable of one last time.

“I also wish I can say goodbye in my own way and on a tennis court. That's why I give my all in my rehabilitation.”

The 2022 Wimbledon Championships begin on 27 June.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport