Roger Federer shared some unfortunate news with his fans on Tuesday – his 2021 Tokyo Olympics have come to an end before they started.
The tennis star announced that he has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympic Games after suffering a knee injury during the grass-court season.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 said on Instagram. “I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor 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.”
Following two surgeries on his right knee in 2020, Federer was out for over a year. Before his quarterfinal run at Wimbledon – he was defeated by Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 – he had played eight matches all season and 19 since the end of 2019.
The Basel, Switzerland native has represented his country well during his Olympic career. He won a gold medal with Stan Wawrinka in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver medal in singles at the 2012 London Olympics. However, he dealt with left knee injuries that caused him to withdraw from Rio in 2016.
Federer, who is coached by Ivan Ljubicic, is widely considered one of the best tennis players ever, with a record eight Wimbledon titles to his name and an unmatched run of being ranked world number one for 237 consecutive weeks from 2004 to 2008.
But for now, he will focus on his health in an effort to preserve his legacy.