Roger Federer aims for a fresh start of 2021 season after another knee surgery

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

World no. 4 and the 20-time Major champion Roger Federer will not finish the season on the court for the second time in the last five years, struggling with a knee injury and deciding to skip the rest of 2020. On Wednesday, the Swiss champion shared the news with his fans, undergoing the second arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in the last four months and opting to stay away from the Tour if the season resumes in the following months.

Choosing to skip the ATP Cup in January and spend more time on the practice court, Federer kicked off the year at the Australian Open and scored thrilling victories over John Millman (was 8-4 down in the match tie break) and Tennys Sandgren (saved seven match points in the fourth set) to reach the semis for the 15th time in Melbourne.

He lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets, struggling with a groin injury since that Sandgren clash and hoping to get better ahead of Dubai.

Meanwhile, Roger had to undergo arthroscopic right knee surgery on February 19, dealing with that injury for some time and planning to make a comeback during the grass swing in Halle and Wimbledon.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers had to cancel all the official action until August, giving Federer enough time to prepare for the restart and fight against the rivals from the top again.

Nonetheless, the recovery didn't go as Roger and his team had thought and the Swiss had to undergo another arthroscopic procedure a couple of weeks ago, hoping for a fresh start in 2021. For the first time since 2000, Federer will not reach at least one ATP final and we should see his starting position ahead of the next year, especially if the organizers manage to host the US Open and Roland Garros.

Federer's previous surgery came in February 2016 (left knee) when he played only seven tournaments, missing all the action after Wimbledon and dropping out from the top-10 after more than 14 years. As we all know, the Swiss maestro made a stunning comeback in 2017, winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon and becoming world no.

1 again next season, staying among the leading players ever since and keeping much younger rivals behind him two months ahead of his 39th birthday. "Dear fans. I hope you are staying safe and healthy. A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee," Federer tweeted.

"Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level. I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly. But, I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season. All the best, Roger Federer."