Tennis: Roger Federer withdraws from Australian Open

ANKARA

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has withdrawn from the 2021 Australian Open while his recovery from surgery on his knee still remains.

“In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he's very disappointed he won't be coming to Melbourne in 2021,“ Australian Open Director Craig Tiley said late Sunday.

"We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022."

The 20-time Grand Slam winner underwent surgery on his right knee last February.

Having won the Australian Open six times, Federer, 39, will not able to take place in this tournament for the first time in his career.

The 2021 Australian Open is scheduled to start on Feb. 8.