The return of Roger Federer to professional tennis has been delayed once again after he withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open following a consultation with his team.
Federer hasn’t played a professional match since January due to a right knee injury which required two surgical procedures. It had been hoped that the 39-year-old would be ready in time for the first Grand Slam of 2021, which has been postponed until February due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is understood that the plan now is to start the comeback during the later part of February.
The withdrawal of the former world No.1 has been confirmed by his agent and business partner Tony Godsick. Godsick is also the CEO of their management company TEAM8. Speaking with the Associated Press on Monday, he insisted that ‘good progress has been made’ in recent weeks concerning Federer’s recovery from injury despite the latest decision.
“Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open. He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open,” Godsick told the AP.
“I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year.”
There has been speculation over Federer’s preparation for the new season in recent days. Earlier this month he told reporters at the Swiss Sports Awards that he faces a race against time to be ready for the Melbourne major and declined to commit fully to the tournament.
It is the first time in more than 20 years that Federer will not be playing in the main draw of the Australian Open. The last time was in 1999 where he lost in the first round of qualifying. A six-time champion of the tournament, Federer has won 102 out of 117 matches at the major in total.
“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, “ Australian Open director Craig Tiley said in a statement.
“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. “
It is unclear as to which tournament Federer will start his comeback and the ATP are yet to publish their full calendar for next year due to the pandemic.
Federer, who is currently in Dubai training as part of his off-season, is yet to publicly comment on his withdrawal.
