The Olympic Gold remains the only elusive title for 20 time Grand slam champion Roger Federer and while the Swiss great has been out of the tour for more than a year now, he hopes that he will get a chance for a final hurrah in the Tokyo Olympics.
However, amidst the covid uncertainty in Japan, there is a very real possibility of the games getting cancelled. While, the IOC maintains that the Olympics will go ahead as per the schedule, the conditions and the Japanese public state otherwise.
Amidst all this unfurling drama, Federer has now come forward to request the authorities to clear the lingering doubts over the games. He further stated that even if the games were not to go ahead this year or even get cancelled, he would be the first to understand it.
Federer in two minds over the Olympics-
The pandemic-postponed 2020 Olympics are due to open on 23 July.
“It’s difficult,” Federer told Switzerland’s Leman Bleu television.
“We’re not hearing much. That makes me think the Games will happen, even if I’ve heard that lots of people in Tokyo are against the Games.”
Japan has expanded a coronavirus state of emergency Friday, just 10 weeks before the Olympics, as campaigners submitted a petition with more than 350,000 signatures calling for the Games to be scrapped.
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With Tokyo and other areas already under emergency orders until the end of May, three more regions – including northern Hokkaido, which will host the Olympic marathon – now join them.
The widening emergency, aimed at combatting a fourth wave putting Japan’s medical system under strain, comes with public opinion firmly opposed to holding the Games, fearing further infections.
“Honestly I don’t know what to think,” said Federer.
“I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland, that would make me so proud.
“But if that doesn’t happen due to the situation, I would be the first to understand.
“But I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it happening or isn’t it?
Federer handed a tricky draw in Geneva-
Roger is expected to return to the field in the next few days for the Geneva tournament, which he has never participated in. He will follow his engagement at Roland Garros in Paris, where he was absent last year to better prepare for the new 2021 season, in which he will turn 40.
The Swiss legend has been placed into a tough section of the Gonet Geneva Open draw on Friday, ahead of his tournament debut at the ATP 250 next week.
In a loaded top quarter, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will face Australia’s Jordan Thompson or Pablo Andujar of Spain in the second round. If he can navigate his way through that match, Federer will likely face a difficult quarter-final encounter.
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