Advertisement

Roger Federer to miss French Open in four-month injury layoff after knee surgery

Roger Federer suffered a similar injury in 2016: PA
Roger Federer suffered a similar injury in 2016: PA

Roger Federer will miss around four months of tennis including the French Open after undergoing knee surgery, but is optimistic of returning in time for Wimbledon.

Federer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee on Wednesday and revealed on social media that the operation was successful.

“My right knee has been bothering me for a little while,” Federer wrote. “I hoped it would go away, but after an examination, and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday.

“After the procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery. As a result, I will unfortunately have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open.

“I am grateful for everyone’s support. I can’t wait to be back playing again soon, see you on the grass!”

Federer, who turns 39 this summer, underwent similar surgery in February 2016 on his left knee. Then he rushed back into action and reinjured his knee at Wimbledon in a semi-final defeat by Milos Raonic. He went on to miss the Olympic Games in Rio, and fell out of the world’s top 10 for the first time in 20 years.

His statement suggests he will be more patient this time, targetting a return before the Wimbledon Championships which start on 29 June, before the Tokyo Olympics which begin on 24 July.