In a sad day for tennis, Roger Federer has withdrawn from the US Open to undergo a third knee surgery on his right knee.
In a video posted to Instagram, the Swiss Maestro said there is no assurance as to when, or even if, he’ll make his return.
The 40-year-old tennis great suffered a setback after his run to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.
“I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form,’’ Federer said. “I am realistic. Don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at this age to do another surgery and try it. But I want to be healthy and I’ll go through the rehab process.”
Federer said it will be months before he’ll even consider returning.
“As you can imagine it’s not been simple,’’ Federer said. “I’ve been doing a lot of checks with doctor on my knee, getting all the information as I hurt myself further in the grasscourt season and Wimbledon. It’s not the way to go forward. Unfortunately to go forward for the medium to long-term to feel better, I will need surgery.’’
“I’ll be on crutches for many weeks and out of the game for many months,’’ Federer added. “It will be difficult but I know it’s the right thing to do. ‘’
Tennis sources believe Federer has planned his last pro event to be at Wimbledon, so his withdrawal at the US Open means he may never again compete at Flushing Meadows.
Federer is tied with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for the most men’s Grand Slam titles (20), but many observers still regard him as the most artistic player of all time.
Djokovic is looking to set the new record for most majors when the Open begins Aug. 30. He’s also shooting for the Grand Slam (winning all four majors in a calendar year).
