Rod Laver wishes Roger Federer injury-free 2021 season

For the first time since 1999, Roger Federer will not compete at the Australian Open after failing to recover from a knee injury that has been bothered him for a year.

The 20-time Major champion hasn't played since the Australian Open in January, overcoming two tough obstacles in John Millman and Tennys Sandgren before losing to Novak Djokovic in the semis. As it turned out, it was Federer's last match of the season, as he underwent a knee surgery a few weeks later in February, hoping to return in June in Halle and Wimbledon.

Instead of that, the Swiss had to undergo another surgery in May, deciding to skip the rest of the season and focus on 2021. Roger hit the practice court again in October and moved to Dubai in December, doing his best to recover in time for the Australian Open that starts on February 8. As was expected, Federer needs more time ahead of the first official encounters, skipping the first Major of the season and hoping to return a few weeks later.

The legendary Rod Laver wished Roger all the best during his recovery process, hoping to see him injury-free in the rest of the season.

"Like many across the world, I was extremely sorry to hear that Roger Federer can't play the Australian Open in 2021 after 21 straight years and six titles at Rod Laver Arena. I look forward to his injury-free return and seeing him at his best during the year. A happier new year to all!" Rod Laver wrote.