Roger Federer has dropped hints about the sensational possibility of his retirement during his speech after being crowned as Switzerland’s greatest athlete of the past 70 years.

“I hope that in 2021 I will return to the courts. We will see,” Federer said.

“But if my career had to end here, well it would be incredible to end it with this award,” he added.

Federer said he is still not fully fit and isn’t sure whether he is going to participate in next year’s Australian Open and beyond. He hasn’t played since injuring his knee during last year’s tournament at Melbourne Park. Federer underwent surgery subsequently and the recovery process has been taking longer than he hoped for.

“… I didn’t have any setbacks since the second operation. I’ve made constant progress over the last six months.

“I wish I was more ready but at the same time I’m happy where I stand. We had a plan and decided to take as much time as we need… I’m still not at 100 per cent.”

The Australian Open is expected to begin in the second week of February but Federer has hinted that even that much time might not be enough for him to join the competition in full fitness.

“It’s a race against time for the Australian Open, we will see,” he said.

“I’m curious to see whether it will start on February 8. Of course it would help if I had a bit more time.

“I would have hoped that I would be 100 per cent in October. But I am still not today. It will be tight for the Australian Open.”

Federer is already 39 years old and that’s why his days on the Tennis court might look numbered. But many of his fans believe that he has the determination and hunger in him to at least make it to the next Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics.