Roger Federer's chances of competing at Wimbledon this summer are remote, his coach has said, as the Swiss great continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
Federer, 40, has not played since his defeat in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year after which he announced that he would be undergoing his third knee surgery in two years.
The 20-time major champion said in November that he would be "extremely surprised" if he could be ready to return in time for the grasscourt Grand Slam, and coach Severin Luthi has reiterated that stance.
"At the moment, I don't envisage him playing Wimbledon," Luthi told Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger. "I'm not someone who is saying it's impossible. But I can't imagine it right now.
"He's still in the rehabilitation phase. Not only do the knee and leg muscles have to be built up, the whole body has to be strengthened. It's a full conditioning program."
When Federer announced his decision to have surgery, the former world No 1 acknowledged that a return to the ATP Tour would be a challenge.
"I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form," Federer said in a video at the time. I am realistic, don't get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at this age to do another surgery and try it, but I want to be healthy."
