This year’s Wimbledon is in full swing, with the first eventful week of the annual tournament coming to an end.
British wildcard Katie Boulter delighted Centre Court fans with a stunning fightback to beat 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova on Thursday. Meanwhile, fellow Britons Liam Broady and Heather Watson also earned memorable wins yesterday to reach the third round.
Elsewhere, aces Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray are both out of the tournament, after getting knocked out in the second round. However, there has been a noticeable absentee from this year’s line up, in eight-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
Federer, 40, has become synonymous with the famous British sporting event after he won the men’s singles title more than any other player in history.
His absence this year is the first time he’s missed a Wimbledon tournament since he made his debut on Centre Court in 1999.
But, why is he not competing? And when will he make a comeback? Here is everything you need to know.
Why is Roger Federer not playing Wimbledon this year?
Federer isn’t competing in this year’s Wimbledon because he is currently in recovery for his third knee surgery, which he underwent last summer.
Due to the surgery on his right knee, Federer had to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as the 2021 Australian Open.
The last time the Grand Slam champion made an appearance on court was at Wimbledon last year.
During the tournament, he made it to the quarter-finals but was subsequently knocked out by the world number 9 Hubert Hurkacz, when he lost in straight sets to the Polish player.
Federer has been documenting his recovery process on Instagram, showing he appears to be maintaining a positive outlook.
When will Federer make his tennis come back?
There were doubts as to whether Federer would play again, but, he has made it clear that he has not retired from the sport, suggesting the Laver Cup for his return.
The tournament, which has six top European players who compete against six of their counterparts, will take place in September at the O2 Arena.
Speaking about his return, Federer said of the event: “It’s no secret that I love the event and I’m super excited to be returning to the O2 and to London, one of the greatest cities in the world.”
Federer’s agent, Tony Godsick, said: “I know Roger well enough to know that he still has the flame burning to compete.”
He added: “His real motivation is to come back to compete on the ATP tour and sort of try to end his career, the way he wants to end it healthy and successful and on his terms.”
