Roger Federer becomes latest tennis star to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics

One of the greatest tennis players of all time will be skipping this year’s Olympics due to a lingering knee injury.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer, who is close to 40 years old and had two knee surgeries last year, explained his decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Games.

“During the grass court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games,” said Federer via his official Twitter account.

“I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honour and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.”

Luckily for tennis fans, the injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. He fully expects to return to action within the next couple of months.

“I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar.”

He joins a growing list of tennis stars that are not competing in the Olympics, such as Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Serena Williams, Simona Halep and Canada’s Bianca Andreescu.