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Roger Federer’s worrying news: “Race against time”

Roger Federer admits that he may not play in the Australian Open next year, even hinting that he may have played his last match.

The 39-year-old shared an update at an awards night in Switzerland, which shocked tennis fans around the world.

The 20-time grand slam champion has not played since suffering from an injury before the semi-finals at Melbourne Park last year.

Federer has been recovering in his homeland after undergoing knee surgery for this cold time earlier this year.

However, while he hoped for a quick recovery, he revealed that despite the season’s major first major being in February rather than January, it still 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," FedeThe 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."

After being voted the best Swiss athlete in the last 70 years, Federer gave hinted that he may have already played his last 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."

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Roger Federer, tennis, retirement, announcement