Roger Federer won't return in 2020 after second right knee procedure

As anticipation builds for the possibility of staging the US Open and Roland Garros in the coming months, one notable name will be notably absent should the ATP and WTA tours return in 2020.

On Wednesday morning, 20-time major champion Roger Federer announced on his Twitter account that he’s undergone a second arthroscopic procedure on his right knee after enduring a setback. Federer first addressed the issue when he went under the knife in February.

“Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level,” Federer wrote. “I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but I will look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season.”

The previous period Federer alluded to sees his current situation following a similar pathway. In his 2016 campaign, the Swiss had arthroscopic left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in early February. A five-set semifinal exit to Milos Raonic at Wimbledon would be his final appearance that year, as shortly after, Federer announced he would miss the Rio Olympics and rest of the season to allow himself “more extensive rehabilitation following my knee surgery earlier this year.” The decision paid major dividends, as Federer would win the 2017 Australian Open for his first Slam triumph since 2012 Wimbledon.

Federer will be 39 when the 2021 season begins. He picked up four trophies in 2019, and lost to Novak Djokovic in the last four at this year's Australian Open.