Federer out of Australian Open

Roger Federer has withdrawn from the 2021 Australian Open has agent Tony Godsick has confirmed.

“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,” Godsick said.

“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.”

The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive match in Melbourne at the season-opening Grand Slam last January before he had knee surgery.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for the event.

“In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021,” Tiley said in a statement.

“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”

Federer has been an ever-present at Melbourne Park since his first appearance when he lost in qualifying in 1999.

He has won the Australian Open six times.

Federer, 39, is currently training in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.