Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer pulls out of tournament

Roger Federer’s Australian Open withdrawal could mean the sad end of a beautiful relationship, writes MARC MCGOWAN.

The whispers have predictably started. Have we seen the last of Roger Federer in Australia?

The tennis legend’s withdrawal from next month’s Australian Open is a crushing blow to tournament organisers and the country’s tennis fans alike.

The place Federer dubbed ‘the happy slam’ is anything but for him and others this time around, especially with the COVID-19 spectre hovering ominously.

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Fresh from winning the ATP Fans’ Favourite Award last week for an incredible 18th year in a row – despite barely playing this past season – Federer’s absence will be impossible to miss.

It’s a great shame, because Open officials have done a fantastic job ensuring the event will go ahead, albeit with a delay and under strict protocols, and there’s likely to be an otherwise strong field.

Federer turns 40 in August and hasn’t played competitively since reaching this year’s Australian Open semi-finals, because of a lingering right knee problem that he’s undergone two surgeries on.

Have we seen the last of Roger Federer on Australian soil? Picture: AFP/Greg Wood

He’s stuck on an equal-record 20 grand slam titles, the last of which was won at Melbourne Park way back in 2018.

There was, of course, an infamous near miss in between.

Federer had dual match points and served for the 2019 Wimbledon championship against Novak Djokovic, before losing in an historic fifth-set tiebreaker.

His great rival Rafael Nadal joined him at the top of the grand slam mountain with his 13th French Open crown in October. The irrepressible (and younger) Djokovic is only three short of them – and coming with a rush.

At age 39, Federer’s no longer pursuing Djokovic in the world No.1 race, with further grand slam titles and an elusive Olympic singles gold medal his on-court priorities nowadays.

However, his knee injury is the latest reminder of his mortality despite his elegant style and amazing longevity enabling fans to dream he’ll play forever.

Roger Federer (R) with his great rival Rafael Nadal after winning the 2017 Australian Open. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

Then there was Federer’s eye-opening comments a fortnight ago, after he was named the best Swiss athlete since 1950.

“I hope there is still something to see from me next year,” Federer said at the time. “But if that was it; that would have been an incredible ending for me at these Sports Awards.”

Federer’s legacy will be a largely unmatched one, even once Nadal and Djokovic inevitably overrun his grand slam haul.

There will be quibbling about how he should be remembered in comparison to that similarly outstanding pair, but there’s zero doubt about his mighty achievements and unparalleled popularity.

At a time tennis fights for attention from other major sports, Federer’s always been the one who could transcend those boundaries.

Roger Federer (R) with his idol Rod Laver.

It’s why he’ll be so dearly missed next month in Melbourne and why so many will eagerly await his return.

If Federer’s journey is finally coming to an end, his army of fans will hold out hope of one last hurrah, just as the great Pete Sampras enjoyed at his home US Open almost two decades ago.

It just, sadly, seems unlikely that will be at Melbourne Park.

Confirmed: Federer pulls out of Aus Open

Roger Federer won’t add to his six Australian Open titles next month, with the Swiss superstar’s agent confirming he has withdrawn from the year’s opening grand slam.

The former world No.1 and 20-times grand slam champion hasn’t played competitively since reaching this year’s Open semi-finals and is still recovering from multiple surgeries on his right knee.

Federer’s absence is a major blow to the Australian Open, which was set to have a full complement of stars in the men’s and women’s fields until this news.

Roger Federer won’t play at the Australian Open. Picture: AFP

His hopes of playing at Melbourne Park were boosted when the tournament was delayed until February 8, but he’s chosen to postpone his comeback after training in Dubai in recent days.

Federer’s long-time manager, Tony Godsick, said in a statement the 39-year-old had “decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open”.

“He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness,” Godsick said in the statement.

“However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open.

“I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year.”

Federer’s decision wasn’t a huge shock, given he warned earlier this month he faced “a race against time” to be fit to play at the Open and that he still wasn’t 100 per cent.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said Federer’s bid to return in Melbourne ultimately fell narrowly short.

“In the end, Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a grand slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021,” Tiley said.

“The Australian Open has always held a special place in his heart – remember it was Roger who first called the AO the ‘happy slam’.

“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”