Six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Tim Henman has backed veteran Roger Federer to make a winning return to the circuit next year. However, he warned it won’t be an easy comeback road for Federer at 39. Both the champions, currently rehabilitating post surgeries, are bidding for a return to action next year.

Tough comeback road for Roger Federer at 39, says Tim Henman

A surgery on a troublesome knee ruled Federer out of action this year. The twenty-time Major champion also won’t feature in the season-ending ATP Tour Finals this year.

Henman is hopeful that the Swiss Ace is on course to make a strong comeback at the Australian Open next year. In an interview with Tennnis365, Henman said, “We just have to hope Roger’s rehabilitation goes well and he can get himself back to a good level if he does play at the Australian Open. He wants to compete at the highest level and it’s not going to get any easier for him.”

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Tim Henman commends Roger Federer’s eagerness to return to action

“To compete at the highest level will be tough, but his eagerness to come back at the age of 39 is incredible,” the Englishman said. Henman said Federer still has the game to do an encore of his 2017 Australian Open win. Federer struggled with an injury before making a winning return to the Rod Laver Arena.

“He’s nothing to prove”: Tim Henman on Roger Federer

“Roger has achieved so much and has nothing to prove,” Henman said. “But he wants to come back and play again and it will be great for the sport if he can reach the level he expects of himself.” 

A close friend of Federer, Henman said he was hopeful the Swiss would be in his element to make a comeback. However, with injuries piling up and age not on his side, there are doubts about whether Federer’s body can hold the rigors of a punishing ATP schedule.

Federer’s last tournament appearance this year was at the Australian Open. However, he made a rare semi-final exit at the Rod Laver Arena, going down in straight sets to Novak Djokovic.