"The best players don't really play for more money" - Pegula speaks on why Federer is still active

American tennis pro Jessica Pegula believes Roger Federer has not hung up his racket due to his love for the game, and she claims this is the driving force behind most of the greats in the sport.

Federer, 40, underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 but attempted a comeback last year. After playing in just five tournaments in 2021, Federer announced a third knee surgery that has kept him on the shelf since Wimbledon. However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear he's not ready to retire and is preparing for another comeback sometime this year.

Pegula believes that greats like Federer are no longer motivated by financial success, but rather the competition and love for the game.

"The best players, they don't really play for more money," said the World No.21. "They have already made enough money. Look at Roger Federer, he could have stopped a while ago and no one would have blamed him.

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"He says he likes sports. I seem to have the same feeling. I like to compete and I like the challenge. I honestly think I love sports. I think I just have a lot of passion for the game. Yeah, I love competing and being out there. It's so much fun for me, and I think at the end of the day most players play for it."

Federer is likely to miss Wimbledon but there is a chance he returns in August or September. The Swiss star has already committed to participate at the Laver Cup, which takes place in late September.