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Roger Federer withdraws from Olympics after injury setback

Roger Federer won't be going to Tokyo to play for another Olympic medal in men's singles. The tennis legend was forced to withdraw from competition after re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, he tweeted Tuesday.

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. I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland. I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar. As always, Hopp Schwiz!

Knee injury continues to hobble Federer

Federer has been dealing with this knee injury dating back to arthroscopic surgery in Feb. 2020. He missed most of the 2020 season, and his recovery forced him to withdraw from the 2021 Australian Open. He made it to the Round of 16 at the French Open, but withdrew again due to knee issues.

It looked like he was on the upswing at Wimbledon. He made it to the quarterfinals, and at 39 years old broke the record for oldest man to advance that far at the tournament. He couldn't make it any further, suffering a straight-sets defeat to Hubert Hurkacz, his first straight-sets defeat at Wimbledon in 19 years. That's presumably where he suffered his latest knee setback, which could explain his uncharacteristic 0-6 defeat in the final set against Hurkacz.

Federer has a long record of Olympic participation. He represented Switzerland in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. He has won a gold medal in men's doubles with partner Stan Wawrinka, and a silver in men's singles in 2012. That was his last Olympics, since he was unable to play at the 2016 Rio Games due to an injured knee.

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