Roger Federer targets Olympic gold as he looks forward to 2021

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Roger Federer at the Olympics

Roger Federer has confirmed Olympic glory at next year’s Tokyo Games is one of his big goals as he aims to return to action in 2021.

The Swiss maestro is making an attempt to come back from a knee injury at the age of 39, with his drive to win the Olympics singles titles one of the final targets he has to round off a glittering career.

Federer came closest to Olympic glory when he was beaten in straight sets by Andy Murray in the final of the London 2012 tennis event, that was staged on the grass courts at Wimbledon, but he has not given up hope of claiming a gold medal.

In an online chat with Japanese star Kei Nishikori, Federer has confirmed he wanted to play in Toyko and admits the cancellation of the 2020 Olympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic may work in his favour.

“Big plan is to be there (in Japan) for the Olympics,” Federer said. “You know, this is for me the big one.

“Maybe selfishly for me it has not been a bad thing that it was actually moved a little, you know because of the problems I had last year. It was a big shock for all of us when Wimbledon pulled out because of the pandemic and then Tokyo Olympics shortly after that, was moved.

“Let’s hope for the best for the Olympic Games coming to Tokyo next year, this is also one of my big goals. I really hope I can come back to Tokyo for that.”

Federer also has the option to play in the mixed doubles event at the Olympics, with compatriot Belinda Bencic ready to play with the former world No.1.

“It’s just up to Roger now,” said world No.11 Bencic. “Nothing has been decided yet, everything is still very far away for me, but in addition to the Grand Slam tournaments, the Olympic Games remains one of my big goals–in singles and maybe also in mixed. If we stay healthy, I would like to compete with Roger.”

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