The Olympic Games will take place from July 23 to August 8, after being postponed in March last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Japan, faced with a wave of infections, has extended the state of emergency in the capital Tokyo and in three areas until the end of May.
“To be honest, I don’t know what to think. I’m a bit between the two, ”said Federer, who won a doubles gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and a singles silver four years later in London. on Friday.
“I would really like to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. I would be very proud of it. But if it doesn’t happen due to the situation, I would be the first to understand. “
“I think what athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen?
“At the moment we have the impression that it will happen. We know that it is a fluid situation. And as an athlete you can also decide if you want to go. If you feel there is a lot of resistance, it would be better not to go. I do not know “.
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A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games yielded 350,000 signatures in nine days and was presented to organizers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the Olympics should continue.
Rafael Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams said this week they weren’t sure yet about joining Tokyo.
Japanese tennis players, ladies and gentlemen, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, also added their voices to the concern, saying that the risks of holding the Olympics during the pandemic should be carefully discussed.
Federer, a father of four, said he took the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
“I’m glad I was able to do it, with all the trips I make,” said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year without knee problems.
“Even if I stay in Switzerland, I think there are benefits. I did it mainly for others because I don’t want to give it to anyone else, although I’m still very careful. “
“We are very careful with our family and our friends.”
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