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Fan favourite Roger Federer plans to return to training with the hope of featuring in exhibition matches.
At the age of 43, Federer has offered no suggestion that he is eyeing up what would be a sensational return to competitive tennis, but he appears to be eager to get back into shape as he looks to play some exhibition matches.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion retired from the game in 2022, amid emotional scenes at the Laver Cup in London and now he appears to be ready to get back on court.
"Honestly, I'd love to play some more tennis again," Federer told TNT Sports.
"Enough with the golf, I've played so much. So seriously, I would love to start playing two or three times a week & hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court and fill up a few nice around the world. I have no plans yet.
"The training part, I miss it a little bit. I haven't played a whole lot since I retired because my body and mind needed a break.
"I have with my kids, but I would love to go and practice as I travel and hopefully you will see me play an exhibition soon."
With Federer's great rival Rafael Nadal also now retired from professional tennis, the prospect of an exhibition match between two of the game's all-time greats is certain to set pulses racing.
After Nadal took part in an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz on Netflix last year, it would not be hard to imagine the streaming giants showing an interest in a series of matches featuring the former rivals and friends that could attract huge audiences in stadiums and on TV.
Federer remains a prominent voice in tennis and especially surrounding the Laver Cup, the tournament he devised and created in honour of Australian great Rod Laver.
This year's Laver Cup is taking place in San Francisco, with Andre Agassi set to captain Team World and Yannick Noah to lead the World Europe for the first time.
"It's different from Wimbledon or any other event," continued Federer. "The black court adds to the atmosphere, and the whole branding is nice. But what's really special is the team environment - having the European team come together.
"It's a team you'll never see anywhere else, with players from different countries fighting for the Laver Cup title and playing for Rod Laver, one of the most inspirational figures in tennis in my mind.
"We've had Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe as captains, and now it's moving on. In San Francisco, we'll have new captains: Yannick Noah for Europe and Andre Agassi for the World. This aspect makes the Laver Cup very different and unique.
"From what I'm hearing, ticket sales are going really well, and I think the Bay Area will embrace tennis. They don't see much tennis overall, and some of the greatest players on the planet are coming. It's really exciting. Berlin was a huge success in Germany. I was there last year and had the best time. I'm sure San Francisco will be equally successful."
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has been confirmed as a vice-captain for Team Europe and he is relishing the challenge.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Team Europe," said Henman.
"Having watched the Laver Cup as a pundit and seeing first-hand the intensity, the quality of tennis and the passion and interaction between the players on the bench, I know how special this event is.
"Being invited by Yannick to be part of the Laver Cup is a great honour, and I'm really looking forward to working alongside him and the team to continue Europe's winning tradition."
