Federer will miss Australian Open for first time

ROGER FEDERER will miss the Australian Open for the first time as he tries to be fit for the summer festival of tennis.

The Swiss superstar has played in the past 21 consecutive Aussie Opens, winning the singles crown on six occasions, but he will be absent in February as he recovers from two knee surgeries.

The 39-year-old, who has dropped to No.5 in the world rankings, is desperate to play at Wimbledon next summer as well as the Tokyo Olympics and then the US Open in New York.

The 20-time grand Slam champion, who has not played professionally since late January, is set to make his next appearance on court in late February.

His agent Tony Godsick said: “Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open.

“He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness.

“However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open.

“I will start discussions this coming week for tournaments that begin in late February and then start to build a schedule for the rest of the year.”

The 2021 Australian Open has been moved back by three weeks to February 8 because players have to observe a two-week quarantine period Down Under.

Andy Murray, a former world No.1, has accepted a wild card to play at Melbourne Park.