July 7, 2021; London, Great Britain; Roger Federer (Switzerland) plays with Hubert Hurkacz (Poland) in the quarter-finals of the All England Lawn Tennis and Crockett Club. Mandatory source: Peter van den Berg – USA TODAY Sports / File Photo

AUGUST 15 (Reuters) – Roger Federer said on Sunday that Roger Federer will have another knee surgery and will not participate in the US Open because the rehabilitation process will prevent him from playing for months.

The 40-year-old Swiss citizen said in a video posted to his Instagram account that doctors told him he would need surgery to make him feel better and that he hoped the operation would give him “a glimmer of hope” to act again. .

“I will be on crutches for weeks and then leave the game for months,” Federer said.

“Of course it will be somewhat difficult, but at the same time I know it’s true because I want to be healthy and then walk too.”

Federer, a 20-times Grand Slam singles champion, underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 that resulted in more than a year of rehabilitation and was back in action in March – 13 months after leaving last year’s Australian Open semi-final.

Spurs retired from the French Open in June after winning a third-round match to save himself for the grass season and try to win a record ninth Wimbledon title.

Federer reached the quarter-finals at the All England Club, but lost in equal sets to Paul Hubert Hurkacz and could not win the match in the third set.

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Federer then withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics as well as a series of preliminary tournaments that ran from August 30 to September. 12th US Open.

“I would also like to give myself a glimpse of hope to be back in the Tour in some form,” Federer said.

“I’m realistic, don’t get me wrong, I know how difficult it is to have another operation and try it at this age, but look, I want to be healthy and I’m going to rehab, I think too” goal while I’m still active, which I think will help me in this long “.

At the end of his 97-second video, Federer thanked his fans for their support.

“You’re always amazing, you always think of me,” Federer said. “Some of you suffer for me, some wish me the best and want to see me back on the field or see me smile. I’m fine, so I appreciate it.”

“And I will keep you informed as I continue my rehabilitation. I wish you all the best and will be in touch soon.”

Frank Bing Reporting in Toronto, Ed Osmond Editing

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