July 13, (THEWILL) – Former world number one tennis player Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Olympics after a worrying knee problem resurfaced that effectively ruled him out of contention in the Summer Games that are due to commence in 10 days.
A return of knee problems will spell trouble for Federer’s nascent comeback trail in the aftermath of knee surgeries that kept him away from active tennis for a lengthy period since last year and which forced him to pace his return to contention.
On the progress he has made, the 20-time grand slam champion started brilliantly on his favourite surface but could only go as far as the quarter finals of Wimbledon before he suffered a humiliating outclassing by Polish player Hubert Hurkacz.
Although he was spared an injury exit that befell tennis legend Serena Williams and some others like one of his opponents, Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, due to the slippery turf of the All England Club, it appears a setback is forcing him to pull out of the Games in the aftermath of Wimbledon.
The Swiss legend took to Twitter and posted this message via his official account handle: “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.
“I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honour and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.
I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this Summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and will be rooting hard from afar.”
Federer was due to continue his pursuit of a first Olympic gold medal finish, an honour that has eluded the tennis great and his glittering trophy-laden professional career. However, his knee problems mean the possibility of never getting that medal in his trophy cabinet is high.
He will now turn his sights to getting ready for the final major of the season, the US Open in New York, which gets underway on August 30. A fit again Federer will be bidding for his sixth title at Flushing Meadows this year.
