Superstar Roger Federer has canceled his participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo – and the tennis tournament under the sign of the rings is becoming less and less attractive. The 39-year-old Swiss, who in addition to 20 Grand Slam titles, also won Olympic gold in doubles in Beijing in 2008 and silver in singles in London in 2012, justified his waiver with physical complaints.
“During the grass season I unfortunately suffered a setback with my knee and accept that I cannot compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” wrote Federer in the social networks: “I am very disappointed because every time it was an honor and a highlight of my career when I represented Switzerland. “
He is already in the rehab process and hopes to return to the tour this summer. “I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and will cheer them on from afar,” said Federer: “As always, Hopp Schwiz.”
After superstars like Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal and top players like Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov or Simona Halep, another size is missing from the scene. Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu also canceled her start on Tuesday. The Canadian justified her decision with the “challenges of the pandemic”.
The British Johanna Konta followed suit on Tuesday evening. Number 38 in the ranking referred to her corona infection, because of which she had missed the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon. She has not been able to train for two and a half weeks, wrote the three-time major semi-finalist on social networks.
Further cancellations could follow. For Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic it is a “50:50 decision” whether he will fly to Tokyo. Angelique Kerber (Kiel), who lost to the eventual winner Ashleigh Barty in the All England Club in the semi-finals, initially left a start in Japan open.
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