Roger Federer’s Latest Update Comes As Heartbreak For Fans

Roger Federer won’t be playing any clay tournament in 2020, the former World No. 1 confirmed Thursday.

Federer, who has had troubles with his right knee for a while now, underwent arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday. After the procedure, the doctors advised him to not play for a few months.

“My right knee has been bothering me for a little while. I hoped it would go away but after an examination, and discussion with my team, I decided to have an arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday. As a result, I will, unfortunately, have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and French Open. I’m grateful for everyone’s support. I can’t wait to be back playing again soon, see you on the grass!” Federer broke the news on social media.

His agent last week had revealed that the Roland Garros was going to be the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s only clay appearance in 2020. Now that he won’t be featuring in the French Open, Federer – who had skipped the clay season in 2017 and 2018 – is once again being forced to do so.

While Federer was the defending champion in Dubai, which is due to begin on Monday, he had reached the semi-final in his first appearance since 2015 in the clay-court Grand Slam.

Federer’s last major appearance was at the Australian Open last month when he lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semi-finals.

His arch-rival Rafael Nadal, meanwhile, will look to lift his 13th Rolland Garros trophy later in the year and that would put him on par with Federer’s record of 20 major titles. Federer has failed to win a Grand Slam since his Australian Open victory in 2018.