Roger Federer Withdraws From Tokyo Olympics, Citing Knee Injury

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer confirmed his withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to setbacks from a knee injury.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion made it to the quarterfinals at this year's Wimbledon following knee surgery, but he ultimately decided his injury would hinder his ability to play in the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.

In an announcement posted on Twitter Tuesday, Federer wrote: "During the grass court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games."

He continued: "I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland."

Federer told his fans that he has already started rehabilitation from the injury and hopes to play again later in the summer.

"I wish the entire Swiss team best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar," he said.

Federer underwent two surgeries on his right knee in 2020 and was sidelined for over a year, playing Wimbledon with only eight matches under his belt.

After his loss to Polish player Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon, Federer was asked if this was the end of his career.

"With everything that comes after Wimbledon, we were always going to sit down and talk about it because clearly now Wimbledon is over," he told reporters. "I got to take a few days. Just see, OK, what do I need to do to get in better shape so I can be more competitive."

The tennis star was also out of the 2016 Rio Olympics after complications with his left knee.

His fans have rallied in support on social media, with many wishing him the best of luck in his recovery. The official account of Wimbledon tweeted: "Rest up, @rogerfederer. It was great having you back this year."

Additionally, the official account of the Olympics tweeted: "You'll be missed, get well soon Roger!"

Newsweek reached out to the International Tennis Federation, which said: "The ITF send our best wishes to Roger for his injury rehab, and look forward to seeing him back on court later in the year, he will be missed in Tokyo."

Federer is ranked number eight in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals.

The Tokyo Olympics will also be missing Rafael Nadal, David Goffin, Nick Kyrgios, and four-time gold medalist Serena Williams, as different circumstances related to Tokyo's COVID-19 regulations have set some players back.

In the wake of so many players dropping out from the Olympic Games, U.S. Tennis Association spokesman Chris Widmaier told the Associated Press: "Although we fully support the IOC and the [International Tennis Federation] and have encouraged our athletes to participate, we recognize the fact that in this unique time, some athletes may choose not to participate for personal reasons."

Updated 4:53 PM ET, with comment from the International Tennis Federation.