**Roger Federer Withdraws from Tokyo Olympics Due to Knee ‘Setback’**
Roger Federer, the former world No 1, has pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics following a “setback” with his knee, which he sustained during this summer’s grass-court season.
Federer underwent two knee surgeries in 2020, sidelining him for over a year. He made his return this spring and advanced to the fourth round of the French Open in June, before withdrawing to prepare for Wimbledon.
Using Halle as a preparatory event for Wimbledon, Federer was eliminated in the second round. The 39-year-old, who will turn 40 on August 8 (the final day of the Olympics), was defeated in straight sets by Hubert Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, losing the final set 6-0.
“During the grass court season, I unfortunately suffered a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games,” Federer announced on Twitter. He expressed his disappointment, noting the honor of representing Switzerland and stated he has begun rehabilitation, aiming to return to the tour later this summer. He wished the Swiss team good luck and promised to cheer them on.
The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23, with no spectators allowed due to Japan’s ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Federer, who shares the men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles and holds six World Tour Finals trophies, has yet to win a gold medal in the men’s singles at the Olympics. He won gold in the men’s doubles with Stanislas Wawrinka in 2008 and claimed silver in the men’s singles in 2012, losing to Andy Murray at Wimbledon.
Last year, Federer’s Grand Slam title record was matched by rival Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic equaled the record by winning his sixth Wimbledon title last week.
Leave a Reply