Media playback is not supported on this device Champions welcome reverse for Roger Federer
Roger Federer is not “likely” to play at the Australian Open next year, according to his coach Stefan Edberg.
The 36-year-old Swiss star won his 18th Grand Slam at the US Open, but faces a possible withdrawal from Australia.
Federer said after his US Open win on Sunday that he wanted to take a “few weeks off”.
“If we didn’t lose so many of the best players [in the world], it’s more likely,” said Swede Edberg on BBC Radio 5 live.
“But at this point of his career, he’s not on a tennis court – he’s playing with his kids. He’s going to be spending lots of time with his wife and kids. It’s a lot of travelling and it’s going to put a lot of strain on him.”
Australian Open organisers have opened talks with Federer’s team, but British number one Andy Murray said: “If they’re [Federer’s team] not happy with the offer then it’s not going to happen.”
Federer beat Rafael Nadal to add the US Open to his Wimbledon and Australian Open titles this year.
The year’s fourth Grand Slam begins on 8 January, one week after Federer takes on Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters.
Federer’s participation at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London on 23 November remains uncertain.