Tuesday 13 July 2021
Tennis tournament with almost no top stars
Now Olympia is also accepting Federer’s cancellation
Without Serena Williams, without Rafael Nadal – and now without Roger Federer: The tennis tournament at the Olympic Games takes place without many top stars. The Swiss justified his rejection of Tokyo with renewed knee problems. Further cancellations are imminent.
Superstar Roger Federer has canceled his participation in the Olympic Games in Tokyo – and the tennis tournament under the sign of the rings is becoming less and less attractive. The 39-year-old Swiss who, in addition to 20 Grand Slam titles, also won Olympic gold in doubles in Beijing in 2008 together with Stan Wawrinka and silver in singles in London in 2012, justified his decision with physical complaints.
“During the lawn season I unfortunately suffered a setback with my knee and accept that I cannot compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” wrote Federer in the social networks: “I am very disappointed because every time it was an honor and a highlight of my career when I represented Switzerland. “
He is already in the rehab process and hopes to return to the tour this summer. “I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will cheer them on from afar,” said Federer: “As always, Hopp Schwiz.” For Federer it would have been the fifth Olympic participation, he had already carried the Swiss flag twice at opening ceremonies.
Djokovic and Kerber are still thinking
After superstars like Serena Williams or Rafael Nadal and top players like Dominic Thiem, Denis Shapovalov or Simona Halep, another size is missing from the scene. Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu also canceled her start on Tuesday. The Canadian justified her decision with the “challenges of the pandemic”.
Further cancellations could follow. For Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic it is a “50:50 decision” whether he will fly to Tokyo. Angelique Kerber, who lost to the eventual winner Ashleigh Barty in the All England Club in the semifinals, initially left a start in Japan open.
.