Roger Federer’s long-time coach, Severin Luthi, will not be traveling to Tokyo Olympics with Switzerland’s tennis contingent. The decision comes a week after Federer’s withdrawal from the Olympics Games as he cited a ‘setback’ experienced with his knee during the grass-court season.
At the recently concluded 2021 Wimbledon Championships, Federer lost in the quarterfinals which marked his first-ever straight-set loss at the All England Club since an opening-round exit against Mario Ancic in 2002.
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Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021, Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his first round match against Fance’s Adrian Mannarino REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
With the pandemic-delayed Olympics starting in a few days, Luthi has been replaced by Viktorija Golubic’s coach, Dominik Utzinged, as Chief of the Swiss Tennis Delegation in Tokyo.
Luthi forgets Tokyo for Roger Federer
Since the 20-time Grand Slam champion has already begun rehabilitation, Luthi plans to take care of the Swiss Maestro and help him return on the tour before the 2021 US Open.
In addition, Luthi, who has coached the Swiss Davis Cup Team for many years, would also spend time with two 19-year-old Swiss tennis players, Dominic Stricker and Leandro Riedi.
Severin Lüthi has been replaced by Viktorija Golubic’s coach Dominik Utzinged as Chief of the Swiss Tennis Delegation in Tokyo. Lüthi needs to scout Dominic Stricker and Leandro Riedi in Gstaad. And take care of Roger Federer, obviously. #SupportTheSwiss #Tokyo2020 #Federer
— Simon Häring (@_shaering) July 20, 2021
In the past, Luthi has spoken about the talent possessed by the two teenagers and hopes to bring the young players to a point where they can take their own responsibility.
As for Federer, his pulling out of the Tokyo Olympics marks his second consecutive withdrawal from the quadrennial event, since he sat out the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games because of problems with his left knee.
Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 3, 2021, Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during his third round match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Toby Melville
Federer won a doubles Gold medal alongside partner Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a Silver medal in singles at the 2012 London Olympics. With him touching 40 next month, and knowing he wouldn’t be present at the 2024 Games, his goal of winning a singles Gold medal is certainly over.
In fact, many top players including Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem, and Nick Kyrgios have withdrawn from the Olympics over the last few weeks.
With the Big-3 tied at 20 Grand Slam titles each after Novak Djokovic won the Wimbledon Championships, the upcoming US Open will likely decide which players races ahead of the pack.
