Federer to miss 2021 Australian Open

MELBOURNE (PTI):

Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee.

Tony Godsick, Federer's long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year's first major tennis tournament.

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

The start of the Australian Open's main draw was delayed by three weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now scheduled to begin on February 8 at Melbourne Park. (PTI)

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