Swiss great Roger Federer, when asked at a press conference if he will return to Shanghai for taking part in the Shanghai Masters 2019 and if he was looking forward to playing in China again in 12 months time, replied "I don’t know about the clay court season yet, I don’t know about a lot of things, but the Asian swing and at the end of the season are always pretty set up in a way that if I’m playing, obviously I’m coming here." Never before has the Swiss legend looked so unsure about his future and what he said further has left everyone speculating if he just dropped a hint about his retirement.

"Yeah, I hope this was not my last time here in Shanghai playing the tournament. I definitely plan to come back next year," said the 20 time Grand Slam champion, giving fodder to speculations about his retirement from Tennis. Roger Federer Calls For Respect for Tennis Ballboys and Girls After Fernando Verdasco's Video Berating Ballboy Goes Viral.

Federer, who entered the Shanghai Masters as World No 2, had a forgettable Shanghai Masters as he lost to the 21-year-old Croatian Borna Coric 6-4, 6-4. Federer had won the Masters last year but the defending champion was beaten all hands down by the 13th seed young Croatian. Roger Federer Loses to Borna Coric: Swiss Ace Stunned by 13th Seed in Shanghai Semi-Finals.

Coric reached the final but lost to Serbia's Novak Djokovic by 6-3, 6-4, who has been anything but excellent this year. Novak Djokovic has not only replaced Roger Federer as the World No 2 but now has four Shanghai Masters title, more than any other player. Novak Djokovic Beats Borna Coric to Win Record 4th Shanghai Masters, Closes In on World No. 1 in ATP Rankings 2018.

However, Roger Federer made it clear that his physical condition is good as he has no injuries. And hoped that he will return to play the Shanghai Masters in China next year. According to reports, Federer will next be seen in the Swiss Indoors in Basel which will kickstart in a week. However, the ATP World Tour Finals in London is what Federer will have his eyes set on. As to whether Roger Federer is retiring anytime soon, as some of his statements hint, we hope the evergreen Swiss keeps coming back at not just the Shanghai Masters but also his beloved Wimbledon. But then, as they say, time and tide wait for no man, not even the greatest among the sporting pantheons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2018 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).