(Tennis news) The future of tennis great Roger Federer has been cast in doubt after the 40 year old announced on Sunday that he will undergo a further knee surgery that will keep him sidelined for months.

In a video posted on Federer’s Instagram account, the Swiss tennis player said, "I will be on crutches for many weeks and out of the game for many months. "I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form. I am realistic, don't get me wrong. I know how difficult it  is at my age to go through another surgery. I will try it. I I want to be healthy, I want to be running around."

Federer has already undergone two knee surgeries in 2020, where he only played six times and having played 13 matches so far in 2021, it’s unlikely for Federer to feature in many games for the remainder of the year. This rules him out for the U.S Open which is due to begin in two weeks after already pulling out of the Tokyo Olympics. Federer has already pulled out of the French Open earlier this year and he has casted fresh doubts about his future playing career after taking much longer to recuperate from injuries than ever before.

If this were to be the end of an era, Federer will leave behind a legacy decorated with 103 titles, only behind Jimmy Connors on 109. The Swiss great would have spent a total of 310 weeks in the number one position, having won $130 million in prize money. More than anything, Federer has made countless tennis enthusiasts fall in love with his elegant style of play, iconic one handed backhand and his gentlemanly demeanour. The tennis community will undoubtedly hope for Federer’s recovery so that we can once again witness the all-time great at the highest level.

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