"I wanted to finish": Rafael Nadal's familiar mind-over-matter spirit pulled him through against Taylor Fritz

The 20-time Grand Slam champion has not competed since his 2021 exit in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, and has since undergone a third surgery on his right knee that left him on crutches for several weeks.

"He's still in the rehabilitation phase," Luthi told Tages Anzeiger in Biel, where Switzerland is playing a Davis Cup tie this week. "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."

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Federer advanced to last year's Wimbledon quarterfinals, but lost his most recent set of tennis, 6-0, to Hubert Hurkacz.

The pair meet occasionally and Federer is also in touch with his trainer, Pierre Pagnini, though not back in session with him yet. For now, the 40-year-old is taking his first steps back on court with his wife, Mirka, a former WTA player.

"This week, to warm up, he will first hit some balls with Mirka," said Luthi.

The coach reiterated Federer's recent comments that it would be tough for him to return for Wimbledon, though he plans to return to tour.

"At the moment, I don't envisage him playing Wimbledon," he said. "I'm not someone who is saying it's impossible. But I can't imagine it right now."

A planned Laver Cup appearance in September could also be restricted to doubles.