Bern: Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer became the second high-profile name to pull out of Tokyo Olympics, the 39-year-old announced in a statement on Tuesday. The 20-time Grand Slam champion cited he suffered a setback with his knee.
“During the grass-court season, I, unfortunately, experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games,” Federer wrote in a statement. “I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland,” he added.
“I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer,” the Swiss maestro added in his statement. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar,” he concluded.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 13, 2021
Federer now joined Spanish World No.1 Rafael Nadal, who also opted out of the Tokyo Olympics earlier, because of lack of recovery. With two heavyweights out, all eyes will be on newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic as the Serbian is yet to make his Tokyo decision.
Federer has been troubled by his knee issues for a while now. He pulled out of French Open with a view to improving his condition to mount a challenge at Wimbledon, but he looked unconvincing at the All England Club and was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
Federer won the silver medal men’s singles event at the 2012 London Olympics while he had won Gold in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Games.
