Six-times champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Australian Open as he continues to work his way back to fitness from two knee operations earlier this year, his agent said. The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. "Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement. "However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open." Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year's event.

Source: dna December 28, 2020 01:30 UTC