13.07.2021 – 19:26
The year 2020 is proving to be the most difficult for the two world tennis icons. After Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer also gives up the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Swiss himself announced it through social media:
“During the grass season, I unfortunately had a recurrence of a knee injury and I have to admit that I have to retire from the Tokyo Olympics. I am extremely sorry because it has always been an honor and an important moment in my career to represent Switzerland.
I have already started the recovery process in the hope of returning to the field later in the summer. “I wish the Swiss team the best of luck and I will cheer from afar.”
– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) July 13, 2021
Federer, 39, does not achieve his dream of winning his first individual Olympic gold. In the second round in Athens 2004 and in the quarterfinals four years later in Beijing – where he graduated as a two-time champion along with Wawrinka – in London 2012 he had to accept silver, defeated in the final by Andy Murray, while in Rio did not show up due to an injury to his left knee.
Federer remained immobile for most of 2020 due to a knee operation, returning only after the last Australian Open. At Wimbledon his trip was interrupted in the quarterfinals against Hubert Hurkacz. In addition to Nadal and Federer, Sinner, Thiem and Goffin are among the big names lost to Tokyo.
