roger-federer
Roger Federer (Photo: AFP)

 Teaming fans and followers of all time lawn tennis great, Roger Federer received a shocker yesterday when the multiple Grand Slam winner announced his decision to stay away from any form of sporting action for the remaining part of the 2016 season. This means that Federer will be missing in action at the most glamorous global sporting event which is billed to commence early August.

The decision of the 17-time major champion is influenced by the burden of a nagging knee injury which was recently operated upon by a crack team of surgeons in the United States. Federer who recently reached the semi finals of the Wimbledon championship had planned to don the colours of his home country, Switzerland at the games in Rio, Brazil. He won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008.

The 34 years old Swiss international posted on his Facebook page yesterday: “I am extremely disappointed to announce that I would not be able to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio and that I would also miss the remainder of the season. Considering all options after consulting with my doctors and my team, I have made the very difficult decision to call an end to my 2016 season as I need more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery early this year.

It is tough to miss the rest of the year. However, the silver lining is that this experience has made me realize how lucky I have been throughout my career with very few injuries. I am motivated as ever and plan to put all my energy towards coming back strong, healthy and in shape to play attacking tennis in 2017.”