'Burning on the inside': Roger Federer's comeback warning

As Roger Federer sits on the sidelines and watches his rivals compete for the French Open, he has opened up about his “burning” desire to return to the Tour.

Federer announced during the forced coronavirus break that he would be forced to sit out the remainder of the year after a re-occurring knew injury, which required follow up surgery.

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Many feared the 39-year-old wouldn’t return after yet another setback.

But Federer has yet again dispelled any doubt he would be returning after talking of his desire to get back on the ATP Tour.

“I am waiting and burning on the inside to go back on the Tour again,” Federer said on the Talk Tennis podcast.

“It’s been a tough year for my knee and for my health really.

“Thankfully, with COVID-19, I’ve been healthy, everybody around me as well. Also, the Tour coming to a halt was tough to see but it’s back now so that’s nice…I can’t wait to come back myself and hopefully, join in the action and play with the best again.”

Federer has missed the US Open, won by Dominic Thiem, and said he is currently watching the French Open from Switzerland.

Rafa Nadal will have a chance to equal Federer’s Grand Slam tally, 20, if he is able to claim his 13th French Open championship.

Aus Open boss expects Federer to return

Recently, the Australian Open boss Craig Tiley claimed he expected Federer would play at the Grand Slam come next year.

"I've known Roger for a long time, and I think we'll have a couple more years of Roger,” he told the Wide World of Sports.

“I'll certainly use that as motivation to encourage him to keep playing until we can give him a proper send off in front of a full crowd. I don't know if it will have much impact, but I'll give it a go!"

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