The tennis world will still have to wait.
The former world number one, who has not played since his semi-final at the 2020 Australian Open lost to Novak Djokovic, has finally given up on participating in the first Grand Slam of the season.
A strong choice for a champion who had not missed any of the previous 21 editions of an event where he won six times.
And even if the Australian Major will begin exceptionally on February 8 at the request of local authorities to put in place unprecedented health measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Swiss have played it safe.
According to his agent Tony Godsick, the Maestro has yet to continue his recovery after two knee operations in 2020. In mid-December, Federer himself had breathed not to be sure to participate in the Australian Open.
“I would have hoped to be at 100% by October.
But I am not at this level even today.
It may be very fair. ”
This package is therefore anything but a surprise.
All his career, Federer only lined up if he was 100% physically.
And he apparently isn't.
Not enough in any case to take risks with his joints necessarily a little worn ...
Health constraints in Melbourne
It must be said that for several years, the living legend has not hesitated to skip important tournaments so as not to abuse his body and to make the pleasure last.
Between 1999 and the Australian Open 2016, he hadn't missed any major tournament.
Since 2016, he has withdrawn from a Grand Slam seven times.
We can also think that the very special conditions imposed on players in Melbourne: an arrival in Australia from January 15 to observe a two-week quarantine period in a secure "health bubble" and the constraints that go with it - such as not putting his nose outside for more than five hours a day for training and being away from his family for long weeks - were not ideal for a champion who has nothing more to prove after more than twenty years of career ...
The Tokyo Olympics in the sights
In his press release, his agent hypothesized a return in February.
Rotterdam's ATP 500, which should a priori take place in early March (nothing has yet been formalized), could mark its comeback.
The Swiss have already played in the Batavian tournament nine times, and it was there that he regained the world number one position in 2018.
He could also drive back the competing courts for the Dubai tournament, a city where he lives part of the year….
But the essential is elsewhere for him.
While he will celebrate his 40th birthday on August 8, next.
Roger Federer especially has the Tokyo Olympics in mind.
The Balois has thus long since ticked the Olympic fortnight on his calendar, with the aim of winning the gold medal.
Which would be a first for the only big title missing from his huge track record (he won doubles gold with Stan Wawrinka in Beijing in 2008).
A challenge in its measure.
Especially since the Olympics are disputed in two winning sets.
Not negligible for the visibly bruised knee of the future quadra who still wants to push back the limits of time.
It remains to be seen whether these Games will mark the end of his sports career.
Another story…
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Australian Open: Roger Federer withdraws from Melbourne