Roger Federer wishes to play at the Tokyo Olympics but asks for more clarity


Roger Federer wishes to play at the Tokyo Olympics but asks for more clarity

Roger Federer with the Swiss Flag at the Olympics ceremony.

Roger Federer has won possibly all the titles and honours on all the levels in the game of tennis. He has not only won individual titles but has also brought fame to Switzerland in team competitions.

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He helped Switzerland to their first and only Davis Cup title in 2014 winning the deciding rubber. He was also the instrumental force in the Hopman Cup wins in 2018 and 2019 after winning it first in 2001 when he had just started on the tour.

Apart from these successes, he has also won 2 Olympic medals which include his Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the Doubles event and Silver at the 2012 London Olympics in the Singles event.

Speaking with Swiss channel, Léman Bleu TV, Federer talked about his Tokyo Olympics plan. “I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland would make me so proud.”

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Roger Federer will be chasing his 3rd Olympics medal at the Tokyo Olympics

Roger Federer and his Olympic Medals
Roger Federer posing with his Doubles Gold at 2008 Beijing Olympics with partner Stan Wawrinka, Silver Medal in Singles at 2012 London Olympics

Roger Federer made his Olympics debut in 2000 Sydney Olympics where he finished 4th, losing in the Bronze Medal match. 2004 Athens Olympics was not a good tournament for Federer as he was knocked out early in both Singles and Doubles Event.

His long wait for a Olympic medal finally ended at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he won the Doubles Gold with Stan Wawrinka which included a victory over the Bryan Brothers of America in the semi-finals. This was the 2nd Gold Medal for Switzerland and first since 1992 when Marc Rosset won in Barcelona Olympics.

The 2012 London Olympics were set to be played on Federer’s favourite hunting ground, the Queen’s Club, venue of the Wimbledon Championships, was the favourite for the Gold Medal. However, local lad Andy Murray won the Gold Medal match and Federer had to settle for a Silver’s medal.

Federer had to pull out from the 2016 Rio Olympics due to his persistent knee injury which also ended his 2016 season. With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed due to the Pandemic to 2021, Federer now has another chance to win his 3rd Olympic medal.

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With the Covid cases again rising, players are in doubt whether to participate or not, with 2-time Gold medallist Rafael Nadal saying he is not fully convinced on his participation. Federer also said somewhere around the same lines. Speaking with the TV channel he said, “But what the athletes need is a decision: is it happening or isn’t it? At the moment we have the impression that it will.”

Japan under emergency, uncertainty over Tokyo Olympic rises

Tokyo Olympics
Tokyo Olympics

Japan is currently under Emergency and seeing huge protests amidst escalating infections in populated areas. “Stop Tokyo Olympics” campaign is being run by the people who have submitted a petition to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with nearly 3,50,000 signatures with people showing no support for the Global Event.

Roger Federer will surely be a boost to the Swiss Olympic team and with him being back on tour, he can have enough match practice to prepare for the Olympics in his quest for his 3rd medal. Federer will next play at the Geneva Open 2021 starting 16th May,2021.

Also Read: Find Out: Roger Federer’s potential path to the Geneva Open 2021

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