Federer pulls out of Olympics and rest of tennis season

Federer, who won the silver medal in London four years ago, likely won't get another shot at an Olympic Games Keystone

Swiss tennis player and Olympic medal hopeful Roger Federer has pulled out of all remaining tournaments in 2016 as well as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, citing the need to continue to rehabilitate his injured knee.

The tennis veteran made the announcement Tuesday on his Facebook page, stating that he wants to continue to play on the ATP World Tour “for another few years”.

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The 34-year-old Federer pulled out of the French Open earlier this year, having injured his knee and required surgery. He returned to compete at Wimbledon but lost in the semifinals against Canadian player Milos Raonic.

Federer, a Basel native, would have been one of 109 Swiss athletes competing in the upcoming Rio Olympics, seeking to medal again in both singles and doubles tournaments. He had won the silver medal in singles in London’s 2012 Olympics and gold with doubles partner Stan Wawrinka in Beijing in 2008.

Earlier this month, Federer announced he would be returning to the Hopman Cup mixed doubles tournament in Australia next season for the first time since 2002, playing with fellow countrywoman Belinda Bencic.

Federer holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at the top of the ATP tennis rankings, as shown in the graphic below.

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