Rodger Federer is facing a long stint on the sidelines and will miss all of the 2020 tennis season after undergoing a second knee surgery a few weeks ago.

Federer has used social media to let fans know that this latest setback won't be the end of his career.

He struggled with injury during the 2020 Australian Open and has not played a competitive match since. In February, Federer had surgery on his right knee but recently suffered a setback which required further surgery.

"Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 per cent ready to play at my highest level," Federer tweeted.

"I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly, but I will look forward to see everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season."

The coronavirus pandemic has halted the men's and women's tours until at least July 13.