Roger Federer reveals he could miss Australian Open due to knee not being 100%

Roger Federer spent most of 2020 sidelined after undergoing knee surgery in February, which has kept him from competing as he has struggled to get back to full health even with tennis resuming in August amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And it looks like his health problems may continue into next year, as Federer said he is still trying to get back to 100% and could miss the Australian Open in February.

"I would have hoped that I would be at 100% by October," Federer said. "But I still am not [100%] today. It will be tight for the Australian Open. I wish I was further along, but at the same time I'm satisfied with where I am at the moment."

Having to miss this much time recovering is a concern for any tennis player, but it takes an extra toll on a 39-year-old who may not have that many chances left. Federer gave no indication that he plans to retire, but if his knee does not improve, he may not have much of a choice. 

The 20-time major champion made it to the semifinals of this year's Australian Open but lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. He underwent surgery shortly after the loss and then had to undergo a second knee surgery in June, effectively taking him out of competition for the rest of the year.

The Australian Open is scheduled to begin on Feb. 8, several weeks after when it was originally set to be played. Participants will reportedly be expected to arrive in Melbourne in mid-January in order to finish quarantine in time for the tournament's start.