Roger Federer has issued an update on his recovery from knee surgery.
The Swiss Maestro has not played since last year’s Wimbledon and has only participated in a handful of events in the last two years.
He is now rehabbing from his second knee surgery and revealed fans shouldn't expect him back on the court before late summer - meaning he won’t feature at the All England Club.
This weekend the tennis legend was spotted watching the Super G Alpine Ski World Cup in his native Switzerland, where he posed for pictures with fans.
While speaking to SRF TV, the 20-time grand-slam champion was asked about how his recovery is progressing.
"It's fine. Much better, obviously I was on crutches for two months so you have to start from the bottom," he began.
"It was certainly the right thing to do, the knee wasn't right after Wimbledon (last year), so it couldn't go on.
"Currently I'm in three parts. First the whole rehab, getting back on your feet at the beginning. Then afterwards learning to walk and building up the whole thing.
"It's only now where I'm at the phase where I can start thinking about my comeback. I had a very good MRI a few weeks ago, which makes me feel very positive."
Despite the encouraging news, Federer admitted he is still a long way off from returning to the tour and mentioned when he expects to be back.
"It will certainly be a while,” the former world number one added.
“The end of the summer, early autumn, where I'm aiming for a comeback."
This could mean a potential return at the US Open, a tournament he won five years on the trot, which usually begins at the end of August.
He is also fighting to be fit for September’s Laver Cup, with Team Europe set to battle Team World at London’s O2 Arena.
Federer’s great friend and rival Rafael Nadal is also set to play in the team event, and both have expressed their desire to play doubles together.
The 40-year-old replied to a tweet promoting his and Nadal’s appearance at the Laver Cup, and replied with the eye emojis and the European flag.
Nadal then responded with a wink and muscle emojis: “Roger, who books the practice court? You or me?
“Looking forward to playing again with you my friend!”
The pair played alongside one another in the 2017 event for the first time ever and emerged victorious.
The 2022 Laver Cup will take place over the weekend of September 23-25.
