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Wimbledon 2022: Why isn't Roger Federer participating in the tournament?

The men's portion of Wimbledon will begin Monday with one very notable absence. Eight-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer will not take part in the event.

Federer, 40, is still recovering after undergoing knee surgery last year. Federer had surgery on his right knee shortly after participating in Wimbledon 2021. That knee has caused issues for Federer in the past. He underwent two surgeries on his right knee in 2020. He also had surgery on his left knee in 2016.

In March, Federer said his most recent surgery would keep him out of action until late summer. That seemed to rule out a return at Wimbledon 2022. Federer, however, could play at the U.S. Open — which is scheduled to begin Aug. 29 — if that timeline is still accurate.

Federer has kept fans up to date on his progress on his Instagram account. While he's not able to take part in tournaments yet, he is making progress after surgery.

Given his age, there was concern Federer's most recent knee issue could end his career. While he won't be back in time for Wimbledon this year, Federer has expressed a desire to return to competitive play. Federer's agent, Tony Godsick, said Federer would love to play in Wimbledon again after his early exit in 2021. Federer, who was dealing with his knee injury, lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2021.

With Federer, and Daniil Medvedev out of Wimbledon in 2022, Novak Djokovic is the favorite to win on the men's side. Rafael Nadal will also take part in the event despite a lingering foot issue. Medvedev will not appear at Wimbledon after all Russian players were banned from the event due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. Medvedev is the top-ranked men's tennis player in the world.

Roger Federer won't play at Wimbledon in 2022.
Roger Federer will look to return later in 2022. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)