Roger Federer last played the Australian Open in Australia, where he was knocked out in the semifinals.© AFP
Defensive champion Roger Federer has pulled out of the Miami Open this month as he works his way back to full wellness after surgeries to repair his right knee, U.S. media reported Monday. The 39-year-old Swiss star, who did not play from a loss in last year’s Australian Open semi-finals, is expected to return from a year-long layoff at the Qatar Open in Doha next week. But the Miami Herald called Federer’s replacement, Tony Godsick, saying Monday that the 20-time Grand Slam singles champion had opted to skip the Miami tournament for record reasons.
The Herald reported that Federer could play in Dubai after Doha but would take a training break.
Federer’s withdrawal is a blow to Miami tournament organizers, who were put off by last year’s event because the chaos of Covid-19 left North American sports at a standstill.
The pandemic has already hit the 2021 calendar, delaying the Australian Open and pushing the Indian Wells competition in California – the traditional lead into the Miami Open – out of the box. -his normal slot in March.
Inspired
Miami is expected to remain a strong field despite Federer ‘s withdrawal, with Novak Djokovic ranked first in the world and Rafael Nadal, a 20 – time Grand Slam winner, confirmed for draw the men.
Serena Williams and Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka are also slated to appear in the women’s draw.
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