There are serious doubts over whether Roger Federer will return in time for Wimbledon, with one of his coaches saying he "can't imagine" the eight-time champion on the court for the tournament.
Wimbledon had long been thought of as the Grand Slam tournament Federer where make his long-awaited comeback at, having been sidelined since last year's edition.
However, according to one of the 40-year-old's coaches, Severin Luthi, that now appears to be unlikely.
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"At the moment, I don't envisage him playing Wimbledon," Luthi told Tages Anzeiger. "I'm not someone who is saying it's impossible. But I can't imagine it right now."
Luthi's concerns come despite Federer stepping up his rehabilitation following three rounds of surgery on his right knee. The 20-time Grand Slam champ has returned to the court this week to hit balls with his wife, Mirka.
"He's still in the rehabilitation phase," Luthi said.
"Not only do the knee and leg muscles have to be built up, the whole body has to be strengthened. It's a full conditioning program."
It remains unclear when exactly tennis fans will see Federer back on the court, although the Swiss champ himself has indicated that he is likely to return for this year's Laver Cup in September alongside Rafael Nadal.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back into competition later this year and Laver Cup is very much part of my plan," Federer said.
"It's no secret that I love the event and I'm super excited to be returning to The O2 and to London, one of the greatest cities in the world.
"Rafa is an incredible person and an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.
"He messaged me on social media after the Laver Cup in Boston last year suggesting we play doubles in London. I am definitely up for a Laver Cup 'Fedal' comeback!"
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