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The Australian Open is also referred to by the players as the “Happy Slam”. From Roger Federer’s point of view, the nickname is particularly fitting: in 2004 it became world number 1 in Melbourne for the first time, in 2017 he crowned his comeback after a six-month injury break with the tournament victory and he has not missed an edition since 2000.
Now this series ends with Federer’s forfait for the major beginning on February 8th. It is a rejection with an announcement. The fact that the healing process of the right knee is not going as desired has been a common thread through the last year: First, a second operation was necessary, which left him out for the entire season. Then the return to tennis training was delayed in autumn. A deficit that could not be made up despite the tournament in Melbourne being postponed by three weeks. Especially not for a 39-year-old.
Where and when Federer will return is unclear. The fact that manager Tony Godsick is negotiating tournaments that start in two months would point to Dubai (from February 22nd), where the Swiss has been training for a few days.
A start in Dubai has just as little priority for Federer as in Indian Wells and Miami in March or at Roland Garros in May. Because the most important of all tournaments for him – “Happy Slam” or not – Wimbledon. He will subordinate everything to the goal of competing again in the best possible form on Church Road – including the fight for Olympic gold. Further tournament cancellations should therefore not surprise anyone.
Because Federer will want to avoid leaving in a suit instead of tennis shorts at all costs. He wasn’t doing justice to his career either.