Roger Federer, 42, sends tennis fans wild as he teases shock retirement U-turn with cryptic tweet

ROGER FEDERER has put tennis fans in a spin with a cryptic cracker of a tweet about his future.

Admirers of the 42-year-old legend are trying to decide if he posted an “Easter Funny” or a real “Holly Roger” hint at a comeback next CHRISTMAS!

APRoger Federer is still a familiar figure at tournaments, albeit watching[/caption]

This is the tweet that Federer’s followers were so intrigued by

Times Newspapers LtdHe won eight Wimbledon crowns amongst 20 Slam titles[/caption]

The 20-time Grand Slam champ shared three emojis rarely seen together at this time of year – a “soon” signal, an Xmas tree and a pair of eyes.

The Swiss icon has already admitted he “doesn’t want to go away” from tennis, having retired as a player in September 2022.

But Federer’s message on X is his most intriguing contribution yet to speculation that he might return competitively out in the court.

Many fans hungry to see him renew his rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal pounced on his emoji outburst with glee.

“Waiting for it, my Roger!” said one, while others wrote “Yes King” and asked “It’s happening?”

But some tennis enthusiasts pleaded for more clues

One posted a tearful emoji with the confession: “I am not Sherlock Holmes, Roger. What’s a tree supposed to mean?”

A like-minded fan added: “We need more of a hint than that! Give us one more emoji, Roger.”

Others reminded the record eight-time Wimbledon champion that “Christmas is nine months away”.

But there was one cheeky theory over a surprise role Fed could return to in the sport.

“Coming out of the woodwork to coach Djokovic?” asked the fan.

That follows the 36-year-old Serb splitting from his main off-court man Goran Ivanisevic.

It’s a mischievous suggestion – but who better than Federer?

After all, in terms of honours in the world of tennis, he’s won of the few players more decorated than an Xmas tree…