Despite being recently selected for Tokyo Olympics 2020 by the Swiss Olympic Association, Roger Federer has announced via social media that he will not participate in his fifth Olympic Games.
The news comes in the wake of the Tokyo Metropolitan government declaring the rearranged games would be held without fans.
However, rather than the lack of spectators and strict bubble life creating a dilemma for the Swiss, it appears to be another injury setback that was the deciding factor.
Posting via Twitter, he made the following statement:
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 I will be rooting hard from afar. As always, Hopp Schwiz! Federer on his Olympic Withdrawal
More Knee Woes?
Federer’s statement is vague but based on his hopes to play later this summer; it doesn’t sound like the setback is too serious.
But we really have no idea. His last comeback post double knee surgery was originally slated for Wimbledon 2020 but ended up being in March 2021, so things do not always go to plan.
Hopefully, it’s a small niggle, and it was more the combination of playing in front of empty seats, more bubble life, and draconian rules in Tokyo that made the decision for him.
However, regardless of the severity, it perhaps sheds some light on his level of performance against Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, which was a marked step down compared to his second, third and fourth-round performances.
Personally, my take is that even if he can still theoretically play, why risk creating more debilitating problems in an environment that’s going to be devoid of fun at a tournament that has huge question marks around whether it should even be part of the Olympic Programme.
What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments.
