Roger Federer Withdraws From The Australian Open

Roger Federer has withdrawn from the 2021 Australian Open, the tournament confirmed in a press release Monday.

The Swiss last competed at this year’s Australian Open. He earned his 100th tournament win in the third round and reached the semi-finals, in which he lost against Novak Djokovic. Federer has since had two right knee surgeries.

The six-time champion has played the Australian Open main draw every year since his debut in 2000. Tournament Director Craig Tiley wished Federer well.

“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,” Tiley said in a press release. “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."

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/2WQW3Sc