Six-time champion Roger Federer is reportedly confirmed to play against the defending champion Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2020 semifinals on Thursday. Federer also warmed up late in the afternoon on court No.28 of the Melbourne Park.

The Swiss maestro raised injury concerns after opting out of the practice session on Wednesday following his marathon five-setter victory over Tennys Sandgren in the quarterfinals. However, he was hopeful of returning to the court in the high-profile semifinals against his arch-rival Djokovic.

Roger Federer praticed on an indoor court

According to Australia’s Channel 9, Tennis Australia has confirmed that Federer does intend to play tonight against Novak Djokovic.

The 38-year-old was up on the board earlier today for a warmup session on an indoor court late this afternoon. However, the court was undisclosed and media escorts were required for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

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Later, the practice schedule on the Australian Open website disclosed that Roger Federer was scheduled to practice on court 28 at 4 pm local time. Federer was also seen with his right thigh tied up behind the scenes at Melbourne Park just before 90 minutes of his scheduled semifinals against Djokovic.

Also Read: Why Roger Federer Needs to Learn Nadal’s Forehand to Succeed Against Novak Djokovic

“I felt pain in my groin”: Federer

The Basel native was in doubt after suffering a groin injury during his match against Tennys Sandgren. He was forced to fend off seven match points in the fourth set before prevailing in the three and a half hours match. However, the 20-time major champion admitted that he was not fit but was happy to finish the match on the winning side.

“I felt pain in my groin and the leg started to tighten up, struggling with defence and having to call a trainer even though I never liked to do that and show signs of weakness,” he said in the post-match press conference.

He added: “I went back on the court, hoping to give my all even though it was clear I wasn’t at 100%. I believe in miracles, that could be rain or some other stuff. I let him finish me off in style but he didn’t do that.”