Roger Federer is on track to make his comeback in London in September at the Laver Cup and has set his sights on at least one more Wimbledon appearance.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion underwent knee surgery last August in the wake of Wimbledon.
He has ruled out a return to SW19 this summer as he battles to regain his fitness but is still planning to make his comeback in London.
His agent Tony Godsick, who founded the Laver Cup with Federer, told Standard Sport: “He’s exactly where he wants to be but unfortunately it takes time. He’s going to play Laver Cup and Swiss Indoors.
“Could he add a tournament before then? Maybe yes but more likely after that. He doesn’t want to commit to anything too soon before having to pull out. But the Laver Cup is enough time that, if all goes well with rehab events, he can get back for.”
Following his previous knee surgery, Federer had pushed to be fit in time for Wimbledon last year only to further damage the knee and require more surgery.
Aged 40, he is cautious about speeding up any comeback but has his sights on playing Wimbledon in 2023 when he will be approaching his 42nd birthday.
“He won’t rush back this time,” said his agent. “He will have to be 100% and know he’s 100% and that’s why he’s taking his time doing heavy rehab and training. It’s not just when knee feels good but building up the muscles and getting lungs back. I know he’s encouraged where he is.
“I don’t want to be the doctor but what I hope for him is to able to have a great rehab this summer, play some in the fall and give a nice shot at 2023, and then see what happens. I haven’t talked to him about that.
As for Wimbledon, Godsick said: “It was a great effort last year on one leg. And I think he’d like another Wimbledon. That place has been incredibly special to him.”
