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Tokyo Olympics: Roger Federer calls for "a decision" quickly on the holding or not of the Olympic Games

2021-05-16T00:56:41.017Z


The Swiss champion announced that he "would understand" if the Tokyo Olympics were to be finally canceled because of the pandemic.


Tennis is not the most historic sport at the Olympic Games, but Roger Federer's voice carries more weight than others.

The Swiss champion blurted out on Friday that “athletes need a firm decision” on whether to hold the Tokyo Olympics.

Adding that he would fully understand if the event, already postponed for a year, was finally canceled.

An Olympic gold in singles medal is the only major honor missing from the impressive collection of the former world number one, but the 39-year-old Swiss, a doubles gold medalist in Beijing in 2008 with compatriot Stan Wawrinka , said he would understand if the Games were canceled.

"It's difficult," Federer said in an interview with Swiss television station Léman Bleu.

“We don't hear much.

It makes me think that the Games will take place, although I have heard that a lot of people in Tokyo are against the Games, ”explained the Basel native.

"Apparently many are not vaccinated either," said Federer, who also revealed in this interview to have been vaccinated with "the Pfizer".

Japan extended the state of emergency linked to the coronavirus on Friday, just 10 weeks before the opening of the Olympics, as activists submitted a petition of more than 350,000 signatures calling for their cancellation.

While Tokyo and other regions were already under an emergency order until the end of May, three other regions - including northern Hokkaido, which will host the Olympic marathon - have come from them. rejoin.

"We have the impression that this will happen"

The widening state of emergency, which aims to tackle a fourth wave that is straining Japan's medical system, comes as public opinion strongly opposes hosting the Games, fearing further infections.

“I would love to play the Olympics: winning a medal for Switzerland would make me so proud.

But if that does not happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand, he continues.

But I think what athletes need is a decision: is it happening or is it not?

For now, we have the impression that it will be done.

We know it's a fluid situation.

And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go.

If you feel there is a lot of resistance, it might be best not to go.

"

For his part, 2008 Beijing Olympic singles champion Rafael Nadal admitted he had yet to decide whether to compete in Tokyo, with the Spaniard giving himself more time to decide based on "circumstances" .

American Serena Williams said on Monday she was undecided about her participation in the Olympics, while Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori both questioned whether or not to host the Games in Tokyo.

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2021-05-16

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