Federer withdraws from the Tokyo Olympics

Although he was recently selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the Swiss Olympic Association, Roger Federer announced via social media that he would not be competing in his fifth Olympics.

The news comes after the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said the revamped matches would go without fans.

However, rather than the lack of spectators and a strict bubble life creating a dilemma for the Swiss, it seems it was another injury setback that was the deciding factor.

Posted on Twitter, he made the following statement:

During the grass season I unfortunately suffered a backhand with my knee and accepted that I had to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics. I am very disappointed because it has been an honor and a highlight of my career every time I have represented Switzerland. I have already started rehab in hopes of returning to touring later this summer. I wish the whole Swiss team good luck and I will take root from afar. As always, Hopp Schwiz! Federer on his Olympic withdrawal

No more knee problems?

Federer’s statement is vague but based on his hopes to play later this summer; it doesn’t seem like the setback is too serious.

But we really have no idea. His latest comeback after double knee surgery was originally scheduled for Wimbledon 2020 but ended up taking place in March 2021, so things don’t always go as planned.

Fortunately, that’s a small problem, and it was more the combination of playing in front of empty seats, more bubble life, and draconian rules in Tokyo that made the decision for him.

However, regardless of the severity, it perhaps shines a light on his level of performance against Hurkacz in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, which was a marked setback from his performance in the second, third and fourth rounds.

Personally, my take is that even though he can theoretically still play, why risk creating more debilitating problems in an environment that will be devoid of fun in a tournament that has huge question marks as to whether it should even be part of the Olympic program.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments.