Texts show Roger Federer ‘knows what’s going on’ as Rafael Nadal eyes 21st title

Roger Federer ‘knows what’s going on’ with his 20 career Grand Slams record at risk of being eclipsed by Rafael Nadal on Sunday.

That’s according to former British No.1 Tim Henman, who says he has been texting the injured 40-year-old with updates about the first Grand Slam of the Year.

Nadal, Federer and Novak Djokovic all sit tied on 20 Grand Slams but it’s the Spaniard who has the chance to go one better when he meets Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.

Federer is currently recovering from his latest knee surgery, after picking up an injury last summer during the grass court season.

But Henman claims the Swiss star is keeping tabs on the tournament with his record now close to coming to an end.

‘It is inevitable that any tournament that doesn’t have Roger Federer is going to miss him,’ Henman told Eurosport.

‘He has always been extremely popular wherever he has played as one of the most successful male players of all time.

‘We would love to see Federer back on court, but there is still a great group of male and female players out there.

‘He has always been a massive tennis fan – that is why he got involved in the game. He loves tennis. I know because I have texted him a few times so he is definitely aware of what has been going on.

‘Fingers crossed his rehabilitation is going well, and instead of him watching tennis, we can watch him back on the court.

‘No one knows if and when Federer will be back. I am sure he will be working incredibly hard, but it is slightly pointless speculating. He will let us know, one way or the other.

‘It is obviously challenging. It is not getting any easier at his age, but I for one would love to see him back on the court.’

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