Roger Federer given green light by ITF to play 2020 Olympics without prior Davis Cup appearance
Roger Federer has been given the go-ahead to play in the 2020 Olympics by the International Tennis Federation.
Federer has made no secret of his desire to once again represent Switzerland in Tokyo next year, but question marks have been raised over his eligibility due to him not playing much Davis Cup tennis in recent years.
Switzerland have not qualified for the Finals of the Davis Cup, set to be held in its new format for the first time in November, so Federer would have limited opportunities to tick that box before Olympic selection – a problem which also faces the injured Kei Nishikori.
That, though, will not be a problem for Federer, who meets a separate criteria.
“We have specific rules and this is one of the arguments that sets us apart from other competitions,” ITF President David Haggerty told EFE Agency.
“The Davis Cup is the qualifying round for the Olympic Games.
“In Kei [Nishikori’s] case, if he plays the first round next year, he will be eligible for the Games.
“In addition, Switzerland has the possibility of nominating Roger to be in Tokyo by a specific criterion: He has been a medalist in the past.”
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