Roger Federer has received his vaccination against COVID-19 ahead of his clay court return in Geneva.
The 20-time grand slam champion revealed the news on Swiss television yesterday ahead of his return to the clay-courts in Geneva this week.
Speaking on Leman Bleu TV Federer cited the reason being to protect others as the pandemic continues to heighten in Europe, “Yes I am vaccinated,” Federer said in the interview.
“I took the Pfizer. I am happy to have been able to do it with all the trips I make. I have done it mostly for others, I don’t want to give it to someone else. We have to be careful, we are very careful.”
An important message from Federer to send especially given his reach and support from all fans around the world.
Federer also spoke about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics and said he plans to go as it stands but admits it’s a difficult situation, “Its difficult, we’re not hearing much,” Federer said.
“That makes me think the Games will happen, even if I’ve heard that lots of people in Tokyo are against the Games. But if that doesn’t happen due to the situation due to the situation, I would be the first to understand. We know it’s a fluid situation. And also you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there’s a lot of resistance, maybe it’s better not to go. I don’t know.”
Before the Olympics Federer plans on playing Roland Garros and Wimbledon with preparations for the second grand slam of the year starting in his home tournament in Geneva.
Federer is the top seed with the likes of Denis Shapovalov, Grigor Dimitrov, Casper Ruud and Cristian Garin also competing there. Ahead of the tournament Federer said he’s in good shape ahead of his return, “I played a lot of tennis in the last weeks,” Federer explained.
“Fitness part was terminated and I could do what I like most, play tennis. My knee reacts differently sometimes after a match compared to when I train. So lets see how it goes now in a match.”
Federer will start his campaign in Geneva on Tuesday evening when he plays Jordan Thompson or Pablo Andujar.