Federer injury troubles cloud US Open campaign

Roger Federer pulled retired of the upcoming hard-court tournaments successful Toronto and Cincinnati, citing lingering issues with his surgically repaired genu and shedding uncertainty connected his presumption for the U.S. Open.

The withdrawals by Federer, who turns 40 connected Sunday, were announced separately by the 2 events.

This quality follows the 20-time Grand Slam champion's determination to beryllium retired the Tokyo Olympics aft helium said helium "experienced a setback" with his genu during the grass-court season.

Federer has not competed since losing successful the Wimbledon quarterfinals to Hubert Hurkacz connected July 8.

Play begins astatine Toronto connected Monday, and astatine Cincinnati connected Aug. 16. They traditionally are the 2 superior tune-ups up of the U.S. Open, the year's past Grand Slam tourney and scheduled to statesman Aug. 30 successful New York.

Federer is simply a seven-time champion successful Cincinnati and has won 2 titles successful Canada.

Other players whose withdrawals from Toronto were announced Thursday: Olympic golden medalist Alexander Zverev, Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini, Milos Raonic and Pablo Carreño Busta. Novak Djokovic pulled retired past month.

Federer's wounded problems bubble to the surface. (AP)

Federer had 2 operations connected his close genu successful 2020 and went much than a afloat twelvemonth betwixt matches. He returned to Grand Slam enactment astatine the French Open successful precocious May and past pulled retired of that tourney aft 3 victories, saying helium wanted to beryllium rested and acceptable for the writer circuit — particularly Wimbledon.

Before enactment astatine the All England nine began successful precocious June, Federer was asked astir the Olympics and said helium would request to hold until aft Wimbledon ended to fig retired his schedule.

"In erstwhile years, it was decidedly easier. At the moment, things are not arsenic elemental arsenic successful the past," helium said astatine the time. "With age, you person to beryllium much selective. You can't play it all."

When helium aboriginal posted connected societal media that helium would miss the Summer Games, Federer wrote: "I person already begun rehabilitation successful the hopes of returning to the circuit aboriginal this summer."

Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are tied for the men's grounds with 20 Slam trophies.

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