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Six-time champion Roger Federer withdrew from the Australian Open as he continues to regain his fitness after two knee surgeries earlier this year, according to a media report on Monday.
FILE PHOTO: Roger Federer of Switzerland. REUTERS / Toby Melville
MELBOURNE: Six-time champion Roger Federer withdrew from the Australian Open as he continues to work to get back in shape after two knee surgeries earlier this year, according to a media report on Monday.
Australian Open officials were not immediately available to confirm the report.
The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive game in the season-opening grand slam in January before having to undergo knee surgery. Later he required a second operation.
The start of the Australian Open was delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Federer, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told AO organizers that the delay in starting the tournament could benefit him. However, his agent Tony Goldsick told the Associated Press that Federer was not ready to return.
“Roger has decided not to play the Australian Open 2021,” Godsick was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. “He has come a long way in the last few months with his knee and his fitness.
“However, after consulting with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long term is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open.”
Reuters has asked Godsick for comment.
(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury in Wellington; edited by Jane Wardell)
