Federer to miss Australian Open for first time in his career
Roger Federer, a Swiss tennis player, will not be taking part in the upcoming Australian Open, the first tennis grand slam event of 2021 as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
The six-time Australian Open champion’s withdrawal was announced in a statement by Craig Tiley, the tournament director, on its website on Monday.
“In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021,” the statement read.
“The Australian Open has always held a special place in his heart – remember it was Roger who first called the AO the ‘happy slam’.
“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”
It will be the first time the 20-time Grand Slam winner and current world number five will be missing the tournament after playing at Melbourne for 21 consecutive years.
Federer last played a competitive match at the 2020 Australian Open, losing the semi-final match to Novak Djokovic, his arc rival, in January.
The 39-year-old has undergone two operations since the loss — in February and June — to correct a problem in his right knee.
The delayed Australian Open starts on February 8.
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