Roger Federer creates a stir with retirement talks at the Switzerland Sports Awards

Roger Federer was named as the greatest athlete of Switzerland in the past 70 years at the Switzerland Sports Awards held in Zurich recently. 

Federer played only one tournament in 2020 and later underwent double knee surgery. "But if my career had to end here, well it would be incredible to end it with this award," said Federer revealing a hint about retirement. 

With the 2021 Australian Open most likely to begin on February 8 and end on February 22, two to three wickets later than scheduled, the Swiss pointed out that it was a race against time despite making constant progress for the past six months. 

The Swiss Maestro has still not reached 100% fitness to be ready to play at the highest level. It will be interesting to see if the 20-time grand slam champion pushes on considering the Olympics will be held at Tokyo next year and Federer will be chasing an elusive gold medal in singles. 

Federer has won the Australian Open six times in his career and played it a record 22 times consecutively. He last won it in 2018 defeating Marin Cilic in the finals. He lost in the semifinals last year to eventual champion, Novak Djokovic in straight sets. 

He is been playing on the practice courts since October. The road to recovery has been long for Roger as he experienced a big setback during his initial rehabilitation. 

His ultimate aim will be to compete with full intensity, play pain-free, and enjoy his time on the court. Federer has been the central figure of a golden age in men's tennis and the sport will miss him dearly if he decides to retire. 

Roger Federer still has a lot of tennis left in his game. He has shrugged off his detractors countless times in the past by making terrific comebacks after a prolonged absence from the sport. 

Meanwhile, his great archrival, Rafael Nadal confirmed his presence at next year's Australian Open according to the words of his manager, Benito Perez- Barbadillo. 

All the players and their entourages will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine after which they are likely to compete in at least one warm-up event before the commencement of the major. 

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