With tour unlikely to return soon, Federer "mentally enjoying" a break

Roger Federer has reflected on the global unity revealed by the coronavirus pandemic, as he joins much of the rest of the world in taking a pause from his usual activities.

Federer participated in Gustavo Kuerten's charitable campaign "Winning Together," which is collecting funds for Brazil, one of the world's most-hit nations.

"I think the most interesting thing about this moment is that we are doing things together. Usually, you have a problem that is in a country or even on a continent, in certain places. But now the whole world is involved," Federer was quoted as saying by *Globo*.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, currently at home in Switzerland, has also donated €1 million to a national campaign, while his foundation has provided one million meals to African children.

"I think that regardless of whether you are from Brazil or Switzerland, we will share similar problems. Let us emerge better," he said.

Federer underwent knee surgery two weeks following the Australian Open, having had a similar procedure previously on his left knee. He has been at home with his wife, Mirka, and four children, all of whom usually accompany him on tour.

"We have never stayed at home more than five weeks since my surgery in 2016," he said. "This is a great time for us, as a family. Of course we sometimes drive each other crazy, like any family."

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Federer, who has been doing rehab and hitting occasionally against a wall, revealed he had not returned to usual training like some other players are doing.

"I'm not training at the moment because I don't see a reason for that to be honest. I am happy with my body now and I still believe that the return of the tour is a long way off. And I think it's important mentally to enjoy this break, having played so much tennis.

"When I'm getting towards returning and have a goal to train for, I think I will be super motivated."

While several countries have begun to lift restrictions on regular activities, large gatherings are still generally not permitted. The world No. 4 is reluctant to play events if no spectators are allowed.

"Most of the time when we are training, there is no one. For us, of course, it is possible to play if there are no fans," he said. "But on the other hand, I really hope that the circuit can return as it normally is. And hold off till the time is appropriate, minimum a third of the stadium or half full. But, for me, completely empty when playing big tournaments is very difficult."

All tour competition has been canceled or postponed until the middle of the North American hard-court season, with early August being the earliest possible resumption. Federer was scheduled to return on grass courts before the stoppage was extended.