Roger Federer to Miss Australian Open

(December 27, 2020) Roger Federer will not play the 2021 Australian Open. The Associated Press first reported that the 20-time major champion will skip the event but return to the tour soon after the first major of the year. Tennis Australia made the announcement in a press release:

Monday 28 December 2020

Australian Open Media Statement: Roger Federer withdraws

 

World No. 5 and six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from AO 2021.

 

Statement from Craig Tiley, Australian Open Tournament Director:

 

“In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021.

 

“The Australian Open has always held a special place in his heart – remember it was Roger who first called the AO the ‘happy slam’.

 

“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”

Five-time finalist and and former No. 1 Andy Murray has been awarded a main draw wildcard into the Australian Open. The Scot joins the following wildcards into the main draw – Australians Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alex Bolt, Aleksandar Vukic, Destanee Aiava and Arina Rodionova along with China’s Wang Xiyu, and India’s Sumit Nagal.