Sports

Federer to skip Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to knee issue

Sports Desk, Jul 13 (EFE).- Swiss Roger Federer on Tuesday pulled out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to a knee issue, joining a long list of prominent tennis stars who are to miss the event set to kick off on 23 July.

“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, who turns 40 next month, posted to his Facebook account.

Prior to Wimbledon, the Swiss said he would take a decision on whether or not to participate in the Games after his run at All England Club.

The Swiss Olympic Committee, however, included his name on their roster announced one week into the third Grand Slam event of the season as he reached the round of 16.

Federer sailed into the quarterfinals but disappointed in his 6-3, 7-6, 6-0 defeat to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.

Wimbledon was only the fifth tournament appearance for Federer this season, coming back to competition after over a year on the sidelines and two knee surgeries.

“I am greatly disappointed; as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion said.

 “I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer,” he added without providing more details.

This would have been the fifth Olympics appearance for the tennis star, having made his first appearance in Sidney 2000, where he met his wife, Mirka.

The Swiss has two Olympic medals under his belt, including Beijing 2008 doubles gold that he won alongside Stan Wawrinka and the singles silver four years later, when he lost to Andy Murray in London.

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