The next summer Olympics may be almost three years away, but it has failed to stop people speculating about Roger Federer’s appearance at the event.
Federer will be 39 when the next Games take place in Tokyo. The world No.2 is a four-time Olympian, winning a gold medal in 2008 and a silver in 2012. He was unable to compete in Rio last year after ending his season early due to a knee injury.
With no comments regarding retirement coming from Federer’s camp, some are wondering if he is targeting another appearance at the four-year sporting extravaganza. In order to do so, he will be required to play a certain amount of Davis Cup ties to be eligible for selection by his Olympic body.
“I didn’t even know the rule, so thanks for the information.” He joked when informed about the Davis Cup rule after win win over Marin Cilic in London.
“I haven’t officially retired from the Davis Cup, so not because of that reason (the Olympics). It’s just because it’s always highly unlikely that I’ll play at this stage of my career.”
As regards to his participation, the 19-time grand slam champion appeared indifferent about the prospect of playing or not playing. Federer is the only Swiss athlete in history to be the official flag bearer at the opening ceremony at two different Olympic Games, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
“I haven’t set Tokyo Olympics as a goal either.” He explained. “It hurt not being in Rio, but I was okay without it, too. I was flag bearer twice. I won gold. I won silver. I feel like I achieved a lot of great things at the Olympics.”
“I’m not thinking that far ahead.”
Federer will play his semifinal match at the ATP Finals on Saturday. It is the 10th time in his career that he reached the last four of the season-ending event without losing a match.
