his year’s Wimbledon is in full swing, with the first eventful week of the annual tournament coming to an end.
British wildcard Katie Boulter has delighted Center Court fans with an astonishing comeback effort to beat 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova on Thursday. Meanwhile, fellow Britons Liam Broady and Heather Watson also scored memorable victories yesterday to reach the third round.
Elsewhere, the bait Emma Raducanu and Andy Murray are both out of the tournament, having been knocked out in the second round. However, there was a noticeable absence from this year’s series, in eight-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer.
Federer, 40, became synonymous with the famous British sporting event after winning the men’s singles title more than any other player in history.
His absence this year is the first time he has missed a Wimbledon tournament since making his debut at Center Court in 1999.
But why does he not compete? And when will he make a return? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is Roger Federer not playing Wimbledon this year?
Federer is not taking part in this year’s Wimbledon because he is currently recovering for his third knee operation, which he underwent last summer.
Due to the operation on his right knee, Federer had to withdraw from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, as well as the 2021 Australian Open.
The last time the Grand Slam champion appeared in court was at Wimbledon last year.
During the tournament he advanced to the quarterfinals, but was then eliminated by world number 9 Hubert Hurkacz, when he lost in straight sets against the Polish player.
Federer documented his recovery process on Instagram, which shows he seems to be maintaining a positive outlook.
When will Federer get his tennis back?
There were doubts about whether Federer would play again, but he made it clear that he was not retiring from the sport, which suggested the Laver Cup for his return.
The tournament, which has six European top players competing against six of their peers, will take place at the O2 Arena in September.
Federer said of his return: “It’s no secret that I like the opportunity and I’m very excited to return to the O2 and to London, one of the biggest cities in the world.”
Federer’s agent Tony Godsick said: “I know Roger well enough to know he still has the flame to compete.”
He added: “His real motivation is to come back to compete in the ATP tour and try to end some kind of his career, as he wants to end it healthy and successfully and on his terms.”