Roger Federer has conceded doubts over competing at the summer Olympics in Tokyo this year. The 20-times Grand Slam champion says he feels unsure about playing and will wait at least a few weeks before making a final decision.
The Swiss’ admission comes just hours after rival Novak Djokovic revealed that he would consider withdrawing if supporters are not allowed to attend due to coronavirus restrictions.
Japan recently extended strict rules in Tokyo and other areas following another wave of the virus.
The latest extension is set to end on June 20, just over a month before the Olympics begin on July 23.
Supporters from outside of Japan have already been banned from attending and organisers are expected to announce a decision on who can attend and under what guidance next month.
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“I’m planning to play the Olympic Games for now,” Djokovic said ahead of his first-round tie against Tennys Sandgren at Roland Garros.
“As I heard, there’s going to be some crowd, local crowd from Japan only. As I understand, 20 per cent, 30 per cent of the capacity.
“If they change something, if there’s not going to be any crowd, then I’ll consider if I want to go or not. Right now, I am planning to go, and I’m very excited about that.”
Federer began the French Open with a straight sets victory over qualifier Denis Istomin on Monday, winning 6-2, 6-4. 6-3.
The 39-year-old has said that he is using the tournament as a warm-up for Wimbledon this summer having undergone double knee surgery after the 2020 Australian Open.
“For me coming back after many months or over a year of rehab, the light at the end of the tunnel or the measuring stick was always: Can I come back to a good level against good players?” Federer added after his first-round win.
“I hope Wimbledon is going to be that place. Maybe there’s going to be even something here in Paris. We’ll see.”
