(Reuters) – Roger Federer is practising pain-free after present process two knee surgical procedures this yr and says he expects to return to the circuit on the Australian Open in January.

The 39-year-old Swiss reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park at the beginning of the yr however missed the remainder of the season after present process a second arthroscopic process on his proper knee.

“I am heading in the right direction,” the 20 occasions Grand Slam singles champion advised German-language journal Schweizer Illustrierte.

“I am regularly coming again however I’ll take my time and do not need to put any stress on myself. I’ll solely participate in a event when I’m 100% match.

“In the mean time, it seems like I could make my comeback on the Australian Open in January.”

Whereas he has made important progress in his restoration he says he’s nonetheless not on the level the place he can prepare as regular.

“Not but, greater than two hours with the racket are usually not attainable in the mean time,” stated Federer, who’s at present ranked fourth on the planet and noticed Rafa Nadal equal his Grand Slam haul with a 13th French Open title this month.

“However I have been engaged on my stamina and power completely with out ache for some time. There might be no additional operations.”

Federer is usually requested about his retirement plans however the Swiss stated he would maintain taking part in so long as he was having fun with it.

“I’ve been enthusiastic about concepts for about 5 years,” he added. “However so long as I’m having enjoyable and it is proper for all of us, I am going to maintain going.”

(Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; modifying by Peter Rutherford)