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“Very Sad and Disappointed”: Belinda Bencic Reveals Details of Phone Call with Roger Federer Ahead of Tokyo Olympics 2020

Published 07/21/2021, 10:30 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Roger Federer has been making front-page headlines ever since his shocking defeat at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. The 39-year-old returned to the court in fine fashion, reaching the quarter-final round of the tournament. However, his premature defeat left fans stunned and wondering if that was the last they’ve seen of the legend on the grass.

Despite the loss, Roger did not lose his character and was generous enough to greet his fans, as they flooded the gates of Wimbledon, for a glimpse of the star.

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Opening up about a similar act of respect from the champion, his former doubles partner, Belinda Bencic, reveals how Roger called her up personally, informing her about his withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Health is always top priority”- Belinda Bencic

The Swiss international is currently in Tokyo, preparing for the Summer Olympic games. However, her fellow teammate, Roger Federer, had to withdraw from the iconic tournament, due to a sudden injury. Roger’s sheer greatness was on display yet again, as he chose to inform the swiss camp first, before making the news public.

In awe of his gesture and heartbroken over hearing the news, Belinda said, “Of course I was very sad and disappointed, but I really appreciated that he called me.”

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However, the former World No. 4 resonates with Roger, correlating her own experience with injuries and setbacks. She empathizes with the legend, and like a million of his fans, awaits his return.

“I know from my own experience what it feels like to be hurt. And health is always a top priority. I wish him a good recovery and be back on the pitch soon,” she said.

via Reuters

Roger Federer bids goodbye to his Olympic dream

Roger’s quest for an Olympic gold medal began 21 years ago, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. As the 18-year-old played his way to becoming a maestro, he often came close to the ultimate glory.

Watch this story: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Others Winning Medals of Glory at Olympic Games

Despite crashing out of the 2004 Athens Olympics, he made a sparkling return to the court. Alongside his partner, Stan Wawrinka, Roger won gold in the doubles event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, nothing triumphs his Olympic campaign at the 2012 London Summer Games.

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Roger looked his lethal best, making it to the finals against British Homeboy, Andy Murray. However, Roger lost the final, even after coming within touching distance of his dream gold medal.

via Reuters

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Roger Federer recently announced his withdrawal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 39-year-old faced a setback in his knee, forcing him to withdraw his participation. Sadly, this probably means that Roger’s dream of winning gold in the men’s singles category at the Olympics will indeed remain a dream, forever.

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“Have Fed off Each Other”: Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal Getting Affected by Roger Federer

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Written by:

Melroy Fernandes

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Melroy Joseph Fernandes is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. A Mass Media graduate, Melroy has been a content writer for the past 6 years, curating stories for several brands, starting from his own. At the age of 17, Melroy began his writing Journey with Team BIB, an event management company for everything Art and Entertainment.
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