Roger Federer will know his return from injury in April-May.

After having undergone a third knee surgery that forced him to miss the second half of last season, Roger Federer said he would learn whether he could return to action by April or May.

Former world number one, who also underwent two knee operations in 2020, hasn’t played since being eliminated by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon last year.  During 2020, he played only six times and underwent two knee surgeries.

Federer’s most recent Grand Slam win was the 2018 Australian Open. Federer also praised Rafa Nadal, who passed him and Novak Djokovic on the all-time Grand Slam list with a record 21st major win at the Australian Open.

Due to his absence, the former world number one has fallen to 30 in the rankings.

Roger Federer expressed his pleasure at seeing the emotions of the 35-year-old Spaniard after a hard-fought victory.

“Rafa told me that he hadn’t been feeling well with his body — now he’s holding up the Australian Open trophy. He’s a great example, a great role model.”