Roger Federer tugged at followers' heartstrings throughout a query and reply session on social media this week, notably when requested a couple of potential return to tennis. The Swiss has been retired from the skilled sport since final September, when his knee damage proved too troublesome to beat.

Tennis lovers jumped on the likelihood to realize an perception into Federer's present state of affairs when he invited questions on Twitter this Tuesday. Many yearn to see him return to the highlight and turn out to be extra concerned within the sport.

A knee damage stored Federer sidelined for nearly two years on the tail-end of his profession, leaving followers with solely a fleeting however emotional farewell on the Laver Cup in 2022.

It was no shock, then, to see one fan quiz Federer on when he could be 'coming again'. The eight-time Wimbledon champion responded: "I never really left."

The emotional reply sparked a frenzy on social media, the place @MOVIIIIC wrote: "I'M GONNA CRY MAN, I CAN'T CONTROL MY TEARS, ONE MORE GAME ROGER." Meanwhile, @spicycari added: "Ouchie, this one hurt."

Although there is no such thing as a prospect of seeing Federer return to the courtroom in a aggressive taking part in capability, there had been hope amongst some followers that he would prove as a commentator at Wimbledon later this summer season.

Reports indicated {that a} position with the BBC was within the pipeline, though Federer poured chilly water over an imminent transfer to the commentary field by admitting that he has 'no plans' to take action this 12 months.

The tennis icon retired from the game with a whopping 20 Grand Slam titles, though along with his 'Big Three' rivals nonetheless actively pursuing main silverware, each Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic sit two forward within the all-time charts.

Djokovic might turn out to be the standalone chief if he wins on the French Open subsequent month, with Nadal dominated out by way of damage.

The Spaniard has additionally admitted that he might be part of his nice rival, Federer, by retiring subsequent 12 months. "I won’t be playing for the next few months," he stated. "On a personal level, day-to-day work, things are difficult. It's difficult to be deprived of what's a big part of your life.

"I hope to be prepared by the Davis Cup, and I wish to play in 2024, which needs to be the final 12 months of my profession. I need to have the ability to take pleasure in it and to say goodbye to tournaments that I need."