Roger Federer injury: Latest setback clouds Swiss Maestro's chance to win 2016 French Open

Roger Federer’s latest setback could cast doubts on his chances to add another Grand Slam event to his belt when he competes at the 2016 French Open.

Federer underwent a successful arthroscopic knee surgery last week to repair a tear in his left meniscus, suffered a day after losing to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open last month. The Swiss Maestro has started rehab for his latest setback, but will stay out of competitions for six to eight weeks, according to Tennis World USA, which cited Blick as its source.

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___________❤️___⏰_____ouch____✈️____scan__________☝_️____(__)____

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 4, 2016

While the recovery time would still put Federer in contention for the 2016 French Open in May, the bigger concern for the 17-time Grand Slam winner would be preparations for the second Grand Slam event of the year.

Federer has been forced out of two tournaments leading up to Roland Garros in Paris, the Rotterdam and Dubai. According to Federer’s official website, the world No. 3 is scheduled to play at the BNB Paribas Open Indian Wells in March, but the time span for recovery suggests he will miss the competition in California too.

This means less time for Federer to train and practice once he is back in shape, which also translates to less of a chance to perform his best at the French Open against the likes of Djokovic, Andy Murray, and nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.

“Federer has rarely missed time due to injury in his career, but it looks like he will try to come back for Masters 1000 Indian Wells,” Jeremy Eckstein of Bleacher Report noted. “If not, it’s possible he could participate in a surprising tournament or two, because Indian Wells was his last scheduled tournament before taking two months off until the French Open.”

It remains to be seen whether a torn meniscus would slow Federer down this season, but considering the timeline from his recovery to the start of the French Open, there is a slim chance fans will see the 34-year-old win hoist a second Roland Garros trophy.

"Federer is the most reliable tennis player there is. He was never injured and has most majors played in a row. He is always there," Rotterdam tournament director and 1996 Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek said, reports Yahoo Sports. "Only a breakdown can keep him on the side. Which in this case is what his meniscus tear did."