Roger Federer Eyes Elusive Olympic Title In 2020

20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has confirmed that he will be chasing after Olympic glory once again in less than 12 months time.

The former world No.1 announced his intention to play at the Tokyo Games on Monday shortly after his exhibition match with John Isner in the country. It will be his fifth appearance in the Olympics and his first since 2012. Federer had previously won a gold medal in the doubles alongside Stan Wawrinka back in 2008. Four years later he won his second medal in London after finishing runner-up to Andy Murray. He is the only Swiss tennis player in history to have won multiple Olympic medals.

“At the end of the day, my heart decided I would love to play the Olympic Games again,” Federer told reporters.
“I’ve been debating with my team for a few weeks now, months actually, what I should do in the summer time (of 2020) after Wimbledon and before the US Open. I carried the flag twice for Switzerland in Athens and Beijing, I’ve got a gold and a silver, and I would love to play again so I’m very excited.”

During his illustrious career, which features 103 ATP titles, the 38-year-old is yet to claim the Olympic title in Singles. It is one of the few events where Federer hasn’t triumphed at least once. Other notable tournaments include the Monte Carlo Masters and Italian Open.

“I checked with the team if it was okay for me to announce it here, while I am actually in the city where the Olympics will take place. I just figured it was an organic place to do that. So I am very happy to announce it, yes.” Federer outlined.
“Every Olympic Games has been very, very special to me. This is something I would like to do if I am healthy. And that is why I really hope I will be and I cannot wait.”

There is a strong chance that every member of the Big Three could participate in the four-year sporting extravaganza. Novak Djokovic said earlier this month that he will play in the Games as long as everything goes smoothly beforehand. Meanwhile the coach of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, previously told El Espanol that it would be a surprise if the Spaniard didn’t make it to the Olympics.

Tennis was reintroduced into the Olympics in 1988 after a 64-year absence and has been held at every Games since. Past gold medallists in the men’s singles include Marc Rosset (1992), Andre Agassi (1996) and Nicolas Massu (2004). Andy Murray is the only player to have won gold twice (2012 and 2016). At present ranking points are not on offer for players.

The 2020 Olympic tournament will be held at the Ariake Tennis Park, which is the venue of the Pan Pacific Open. It will take place between July 25th and August 2nd.

Federer’s Olympic record in full

2000 Sydney Games

• Singles

2004 Athens

• Singles

• Doubles

2008 Beijing

• Singles

• Doubles

2012 London

• Singles

• Doubles