Roger Federer was due to play his last Olympics in Tokyo, after the event was postponed last year due to the outbreak of the global pandemic. In the midst of a thousand controversies and uncertainties, the event of the five circles began a few days ago, although in a very different environment from the one we were used to in past editions of the Games.
The former world number one had not hidden his desire to wear gold in singles, a task that seemed facilitated by the numerous casualties that characterized the day before. Shortly after his elimination in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, the Swiss champion announced that he suffered a knee relapse that made his presence in Japan impossible.
At the moment, the schedule for the 20-time Grand Slam champion is unclear, who hopes to return to the field in late summer. Speaking to the media after beating Misaki Doi on Monday, Belinda Bencic, who was supposed to play mixed doubles with Roger, revealed that the 39-year-old Swiss follows his compatriots with great attention.
Federer suffered a knee relapse
“Roger Federer is not wasting a minute of these Olympics. He knows perfectly what is happening and how things are going for Switzerland, ”said the 12th WTA.
“He sent a message to me and Viktorija Golubic after our doubles debut, so he is very attentive to every match,” he added. Given the absences of Federer and Wawrinka, expectations for Bencic have risen further.
Belinda has responded very well so far, just knocking out Roland Garros champion Krejcikova. “The Swiss have gotten used to it well over the last 15 years, it is normal that they expect something important from me here in Tokyo.
I am very proud to be able to represent my country in a unique event like the Olympic Games. I never imagined becoming one of the best athletes on the Swiss team. I do not see it as a reason for pressure, but as a privilege, “said the former world number 4.
–
