Twenty-times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian 2021, despite making “strong recovery” after two operations on his right knee, his agent Tony Godsick told The Associated Press.
“Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open. He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him, in the long run, is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open,” Godsick said in a statement.
“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement confirming that Federer’s withdrawal from the tournament, “and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”
All the best with your recovery @rogerfederer. Look forward to seeing you back at the #AusOpen in 2022. pic.twitter.com/M6L05zF50K
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 28, 2020
However, Federer’s long-time representative Godsick said he will be able to work out a schedule to return to competitive action in 2021. Federer has not played any competitive match since Australian Open 2020, now in 2021 Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics are likely to be his priority.
“I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year,” Godsick said.
Australian Open 2021 qualifiers will be held in Dubai and Doha from January 10 to 13. The players will then head to Melbourne for quarantine. The tournament will commence from February 8 to February 21.
