Greatly disappointed: Roger Federer withdraws from Tokyo Olympics

Former World No 1 Roger Federer, on Tuesday, announced his withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, owing to the knee injury that has been troubling him for some time now. He made the announcement on his official social media handle with a note and a photo of him being the Swiss flag-bearer attached.

“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,” his note read.

“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, Hopps Schwiz!” the note ended.

In the recently-held Wimbledon, Federer was ousted in the quarter-final after going down 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-0 to Poland’s Hurkacz.

The tennis competitions in Japan are set to start on July 24, the day after the opening ceremony.

Federer, who turns 40 next month, pulled out of the French Open after reaching the fourth round, hoping to get fit for Wimbledon. But his grasscourt season came to an unexpected halt.

That defeat sparked talk among fans and pundits speculating whether the eight-time Wimbledon winner would retire, with Federer saying he “didn’t know” if his Wimbledon career was over.

But on Tuesday, the former world number one said he was hoping to return to the ATP Tour later this summer.

In the latest ATP ranking that was released on July 12, saw Roger Federer lose a rank and is now placed at number 9 with 4, 215 points against his name.

After he made his announcement, the official handle of Wimbledon, replied to his post, telling him to rest up.

“Rest up, Roger Federer. It was great having you back this year.”