World No.4 Roger Federer suffered a knee injury after his loss against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2020. Consequently, the Swiss maestro decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery to treat his knee and was set to miss the tour regardless of the coronavirus shutdown.

Earlier, Federer’s coach Severin Luthi revealed that the former’s recovery has not gone as quickly as they hoped. Subsequently, Federer has now announced that he will not play this year and ends his 2020 season. He announced he will require a second arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Hence, the 20-time Grand Slam winner explained that he will take this time to recover 100 percent and will come back next season.

“I will miss my fans” – Roger Federer

In 2016, Federer was experiencing troubles in his knee and missed half of the season for his rehabilitation. Subsequently, he came back in 2017 and clinched two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon championships.

Drawing curtains to his 2020 season, Federer also recalled his comeback season in 2017.

Here’s Federer’s full statement –

“A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee. Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100% ready to play at my highest level. I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but, I will look forward to seeing everyone back on the tour at the start of the 2021 season,” wrote Federer on Twitter.

The governing bodies of tennis are trying every possible alternative to resume the tour soon in the wake of coronavirus hiatus. One of the solutions to recommence the season is to play in front of empty stadiums.

However, Federer had rejected the idea of playing behind closed doors. He refused to play without fans and will now return next season when fans would be allowed in the stadium. We hope to see Federer back in action at the Australian Open 2021.