Basel (Switzerland): Roger Federer has undergone surgery on his right knee and will miss the French Open and several other tournaments.
Writing on his Facebook page Thursday, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said his knee ‘has been bothering me for a little while’ so he ‘decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday (Wednesday)’.
“Doctors are very confident of a full recovery,” Federer said, before ending his post by telling his fans “see you on the grass!” as he targets a return for Wimbledon.
Federer will skip tournaments in Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota and Miami prior to the French Open, which starts May 24.
Federer could potentially return to play at one of his favourite tournaments in Halle, Germany, June 15. He has won the grasscourt tournament 10 times. Wimbledon starts June 29.
Federer lost to Nadal in the semifinals at Roland Garros last year and then beat the Spaniard in the semifinals at Wimbledon. He then lost to Novak Djokovic in the final after holding two match points.
Federer struggled with his fitness at times during the recent Australian Open, and was clearly hampered when he lost to Djokovic in straight sets in the semifinals after making a strong start.
Agencies