Tokyo Olympics: Roger Federer slams uncertainty over the Olympics, says “athletes need a decision”- Tennis legend Roger Federer while criticising the Tokyo Olympics organiser has said that the athletes need a decision if the games are happening or not. He also added that if games did not happen he will be the first one to understand.
“I think what the 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 it’s a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there’s a lot of resistance, maybe it’s better not to go. I don’t know,” he said.
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The 20-times Grand Slam winner also admitted that he is still in two minds about whether to participate or not.
“Honestly I don’t know what to think. I’m a bit between the two. I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn’t happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand,” Federer said.
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Roger Federer in Olympics
An 18-year-old Federer made his Olympic debut at Sydney in 2000, where he entered the singles competition. He surprised many by reaching the semifinals. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Federer was the clear favourite after claiming the world No. 1 ranking earlier in the year and capturing the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles. However, he lost in the second round to 18-year-old Tomáš Berdych. In doubles, he and compatriot Yves Allegro lost in the second round.
At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Federer was again the top seed and favourite but lost in the quarterfinals to James Blake. However, he found more success on the doubles court, capturing the gold medal in men’s doubles with compatriot Stan Wawrinka, defeating Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson of Sweden. At both the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games, Federer was the flag bearer for Switzerland in the opening ceremony.
At London 2012, Federer won his first singles medal, losing to Andy Murray in the final to claim the silver. He and Wawrinka were unable to defend their gold medal in doubles, losing in the second round to Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram of Israel. Federer did not compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics after taking the rest of the season off after Wimbledon to recover from a knee injury.
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The Olympics are set to run from July 23 to August 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic.
Federer also revealed that he took the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
“I am glad that I could do it, with all the travelling I do. Even if I’m staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don’t want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful. We’re very careful with the family and with our friends,” he said.
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