The next few weeks of training will determine Roger Federer's Australian Open status.

Earlier this month, Federer said it was "a race against time" for his surgically-repaired right knee to recover in time for the Melbourne major.

More: Sharapova Engaged

The Australian Open is set to start on February 8th. Tournament director Craig Tiley said Federer is hoping to play and will make a final decision based on his current training in Dubai.

"Every player, including Roger, has made a commitment to travel to Melbourne to play," Tiley said. "We have been in touch with him and his team and it's been three days now, he's hit for the first time in Dubai. He's in his normal pre-season training routine.

"He did say to us that February 8 was a more suitable date for him in terms of preparing for the Australian Open. But a lot will depend on how he responds to his surgery in the next two to three weeks of training."



The 20-time Grand Slam champion said at the Swiss Sports Awards in Zurich last weekend he'd love to play the Australian Open, but suggested his surgically-repaired right knee is not yet ready for the rigors of Grand Slam play.

Federer confirmed that he's eager to get to the next level with his knee in an interview with Schweizer Illustrierte in Switzerland.

"I really have to fully test my knee on the tennis court. With the hope that maybe I'll have enough at the Australian Open," he said.

"I'd love to be in Australia, but it'll be very fair to my knee," Federer said. "I had hoped to be 100 percent of my means as early as October, but unfortunately this was not the case and it is still not the case today. I don't want to take the next step until I'm ready. I won't play again until I feel 100 percent...

"My goals are in the summer, with Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve