Novak Djokovic hopes Roger Federer gets 'proper farewell' amid setbacks after knee surgery

Although former world number one Roger Federer is aware that his 'end is near' when it comes to playing professional tennis, Novak Djokovic hopes that his counterpart receives farewell that he deserves.

Both Federer and Djokovic are two of greatest players to have ever stepped on court, with both players having won 20 Grand Slams each.

Novak Djokovic hopes Roger Federer receives a 'proper farewell'

While speaking at a press conference in Turin, where he is competing in ATP Tour Finals, Novak Djokovic said, "Obviously, Roger is an icon of our sport, and people around world love him. y love watching him play; y love seeing him around. He is very important for our sport, on and off court. So for sake of our sport, I sincerely hope that we can see him play, at least anor time."

Serbian legend n went on to d why he hopes his arch-rival receive a 'proper farewell.' "I'm sure that he doesn't want to end his career this way. I think he's definitely going to try to give it last push. For everything that he has achieved and created for this sport, he deserves to play and he deserves to have a proper farewell," ded Djokovic.

Why will Roger Federer not compete at Australian Open?

Roger Federer revealed in an interview on Wednesday that he will not only not compete in Australian Open in January, but also expects to miss out on Wimbledon later in season. 40-year old has not competed in a match since undergoing knee surgery for third time in 1.5 years. He h to undergo treatment for third time in July this year after he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in Wimbledon quarter-finals.

In an interview published in  Tribune de Genève newspaper, Roger Federer said, "Even if I know that end is near, I want to try and play some more big matches. That will not be easy, but I want to try. Let's be clear: My life is not going to fall apart if I don't play anor Grand Slam final. But that would be ultimate dream — to get back re. I want to see one last time what I'm capable of as a professional tennis player." He concluded interview by stating that he also wants to be able to 'say goodbye' on tennis court.