When spring arrives, Roger Federer will know if his body can manage a summer comeback.
The 40-year-old Swiss superstar said he's back in the gym training and believes the next two months of training will reveal if his surgically-repaired knee can withstand the rigors of the pro tour.
More: Is Rafa Nadal GOAT?
"I think I have very interesting and important next sort of months ahead of me," Federer told his sponsor, Credit Suisse, in a video conference appearance on Wednesday. "I think I will know a lot more by April-May.
"The drive is still there. I am motivated to do my work."
The 20-time Grand Slam champion reiterated he's fully committed to a comeback if his surgically-repaired knee can manage the workload required to rejoin the pro circuit.
Federer said the next two months are crucial as he will be reintroducing jumping and more explosive movements into his training and will learn how his body responds.
"I want to come back strong and give it everything that I have," Federer said. "I'm back in the gym again tomorrow. I'm working as hard as I'm allowed to so it's still good times even though it's a little bit slow.
"I would love to do way more but the doctors and everybody's holding me back a little bit."
Last July, Federer deployed variety defeating Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 to become the oldest Wimbledon men's quarterfinalist in Open Era history. One round later, Hubert Hurkacz swept a flat Federer 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-0 storming into his first Grand Slam semifinal. The former world No. 1 was bageled for the first time at SW19 suffering his first Wimbledon straight-sets loss since he bowed to Mario Ancic in the 2002 first round.
The capacity Centre Court crowd stood and saluted the eight-time Wimbledon champion with a rousing extended ovation as Federer waved in an emotional exit after enduring just his third straight-sets loss in 119 career Wimbledon matches.
Federer paid tribute to Rafael Nadal after the 35-year-old Spaniard made history capturing a men's record 21st major title with a five hour, 24-minute conquest of Daniil Medvedev.
"It was nice to see his emotions after such a hard-fought victory," Federer said. "Rafa told me that he hadn't been feeling well with his body: now he's holding up the Australian Open trophy.
"He's a great example, a great role model."
Photo credit: Getty