Federer to have knee surgery, out of action for 'many months'

APD NEWS

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Roger Federer will undergo another knee surgery after injuring it during the grass-court season and will miss the U.S. Open, given the rehabilitation process will rule him out of the sport for many months, he said on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Swiss, speaking on a video posted to his Instagram account, said doctors told him that he would need surgery to feel better.

"I'll be on crutches for many weeks and then also out of the game for many months," Federer said.

"It's going to be difficult, of course, in some ways, but at the same time, I know it's the right thing to do because I want to be healthy, and I want to be running around later as well."

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, had two knee surgeries in 2020 which resulted in more than a year of rehabilitation, with the Swiss returning to action in March – 13 months after his Australian Open semifinal exit last year.

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Roger Federer (L) of Switzerland greets Hubert Hurkacz of Poland during their Wimbledon Championships match in London, England, July 7, 2021. /CFP

He withdrew from the French Open last month despite winning his third-round match to save himself for the grass-court season, where he sought a record-extending ninth title at Wimbledon but was beaten in the quarterfinals by Hubert Hurkacz of Poland.

Federer withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics as well as several lead-up events to the August 30-September 12 U.S. Open.

"I want to give myself a glimmer of hope also to return to the tour in some shape or form," said Federer.

"I am realistic. Don't get me wrong; I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it. But look, I want to be healthy, and I'll go through the rehab process, I think, also with the goal while I am still active, which I think is going to help me during this long period of time."

(CGTN)