Federer targeting Australian Open for return

Roger Federer said he is on target to play in the Australian Open in January after two knee surgeries sidelined him for most of 2020.

The 39-year-old Federer hasn't played since Jan. 30, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the tournament in Melbourne.

"I'm on the right track," he told Schweizer Illustrierte, a magazine in his native Switzerland.

"I'm gradually coming back but I'm going to take my time and don't want to put any pressure on myself. I will only take part in a tournament when I am 100 percent fit."

He said he is working to rebuild his strength and stamina, doing so without pain.

Federer has 103 career titles, including 20 Grand Slam victories -- a record Rafael Nadal tied with his 13th French Open win on Oct. 11. Federer has won the Australian Open six times, most recently in 2018.

--Field Level Media