"Roger Federer may have something else to do than go to Melbourne in such conditions" - Marc Rosset

Former Olympic singles gold medalist Marc Rosset believes that his compatriot Roger Federer would do well to steer clear of the 2021 Australian Open.

During a recent chat with Radio Tele Suisse (RTS), Rosset opined that taking part in the Australian Open would be risky for the Swiss legend due to the strict restrictions and his own lack of fitness.

“Frankly, when you see the constraints imposed on the players, the fact that there shouldn't be many spectators, and your conditions aren't yet optimal, you wonder if it is worth taking the risks by going there,” Rosset said.

Marc Rosset also believes Roger Federer could be adversely affected by his family’s absence in Melbourne, along with the lack of crowd support.

“He should play a very tough tournament, with an uncertain form, without the thrill of those emotions that only the public can give, and all without the family at his side,” Rosset added.

According to Rosset, Federer wouldn't be inclined to make the trip to Melbourne without his family - despite the Swiss legend suggesting otherwise recently. Rosset reckons that Federer may well skip the event altogether, and work a bit more on getting into top physical shape.

“Roger never divides family life and tennis,” Rosset stressed. “It is a whole. He will not choose one or the other. At 39, he may have something else to do than go to Melbourne in such conditions in two months, maybe stay at home and prepare even better.”

I still think Roger Federer will play again, I have no doubts about that: Marc Rosset

Roger Federer celebrates after winning the 2018 Australian Open

During the chat, Marc Rosset also touched upon Roger Federer's much-discussed speech at the recent Swiss Sports Awards.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was honored as Switzerland's best sportsman of the last 70 years on Sunday. But in his acceptance speech, he sent alarm bells ringing among his fans by expressing doubts about his comeback.

Marc Rosset dispelled those notions though, and stressed that Roger Federer is almost certain to eventually make his way back to the tour. Rosset believes Federer's words were part of a standard award-acceptance speech, and that the fans shouldn't read too much into them.

“I still think Roger will play again, I have no doubts about that,” Rosset said. “I just think that at this moment he is living his present intensely and simply wanted to express his happiness for having won this award. It's like when a guy wins a Grand Slam title and says it's his favorite tournament. Everyone would have said it everywhere. They are those classic phrases he says in the moment, to please people in that context."

Marc Rosset is not losing any sleep over a potential delay in Roger Federer’s comeback, as he reckons that the Swiss legend will anyway have a difficult time upon his return - whenever that happens.

“If it takes more time for Federer, it's not the end of the world,” Rosset continued. “Everyone knows that with what he has experienced this year, returning to the top will be very complicated for him.”