Australian Open 2021 - Roger Federer won't play as he continues recovery, agent announces

ByTom Adams

Updated 27/12/2020 at 23:08 GMT

Roger Federer has not played tennis since the 2020 Australian Open and his planned comeback in the 2021 edition has been cancelled with his agent saying the 20-time Grand Slam winner has withdrawn from the competition as he continues to recover from knee surgeries. The Australian Open has been delayed until February due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roger Federer will not play in the opening Grand Slam of 2021 after withdrawing from the Australian Open, his agent has confirmed in an interview with the Associated Press.

Federer, 39, has not played at the top level since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic in Melbourne Park almost 12 months ago and his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title will be delayed even further.

“Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," said Tony Godsick said in a statement.

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"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.

“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."

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The Australian Open has already been put back three weeks due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Federer underwent two bouts of surgery on his right knee this year and has been training in Dubai recently.

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