Roger Federer sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, labels it 'unfortunate setback'

ByTom Adams

Updated 03/02/2016 at 10:28 GMT

Roger Federer will be out of action for up to a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus, his agent at TEAM8 Tony Godsick told Reuters on Wednesday.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion suffered the injury the day after his Australian Open run ended in the semi-finals last week.

Federer, 34, has withdrawn from the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (February 8-21) and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai (February 22-27).

Tennis

Alcaraz, Sinner 'already announcing themselves' as 'superstars,' says Federer

15/03/2024 at 17:25

"I am so disappointed to have to miss Rotterdam and Dubai as they are two of my favourite tournaments on the ATP World Tour," said Federer, who is the reigning champion in Dubai having won the title for the seventh time last March.

"While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career," the 34-year-old Swiss added.

"My doctors have ensured me that the surgery was a success and with proper rehabilitation, I will be able to return to the Tour soon."

[VOTE: Who’s the greatest men’s tennis player of all time?]

The world number three has won two Rotterdam trophies among his 88 career titles.

Roger Federer

Image credit: AFP

Federer's incredible longevity

This news comes as such a surprise as Federer has been so careful to avoid injury throughout his career. In fact, he has never once missed a Grand Slam tournament due to fitness concerns - a period spanning 17 years.

The last time Federer was not in the main draw of a Grand Slam was in the 1999 US Open, when he only made it to the second round of qualifying.

But his recovery time after this surgical procedure will give him more than enough time to recover for the French Open at Roland Garros, meaning this amazing run is set to continue.

• Eurosport and Eurosport Player are the home of tennis

ATP Indian Wells

Federer calls on Tsitsipas to 'take it to next level' and bounce back from dip in form

14/03/2024 at 09:37

Tennis

Federer dazzles on basketball court in front of NBA superstar Curry

10/03/2024 at 10:54

ATP Indian Wells

Djokovic admits to 'strange feeling' competing without absent Nadal and retired Federer

08/03/2024 at 14:27