'Race against time': Federer in doubt for Australian Open
Roger Federer's appearance at next year's Australian Open has been thrown into major doubt, with the world No.5 admitting he's facing a race against time to be fit.
Federer hasn't played since he was beaten by Novak Djokovic at Melbourne Park in January during this year's Australian Open, due to a knee injury.
Roger Federer is in a race against time to recover from a knee injury in time for the Australian Open.Credit:Getty Images
The 20-time major winner says his recovery is taking longer than expected.
"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," Federer reportedly said at the Switzerland Sports Awards.
"It's a race against time for the Australian Open. I'm curious to see whether it will start on February 8. Of course, it would help if I had a bit more time."
Federer has now gone under the knife twice this year for his knee injury.
"I would love to be in Australia. But it will be very tight with my knee. I don't want to take the next step until I'm ready. These three weeks might help a bit. The summer with Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open is my priority," Federer said.
Federer is a six-time champion at the Australian Open.
MORE TO COME
Sam McClure is a sport reporter for The Age and winner of 'best news reporter' at the AFL Media Association awards.