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July 13 (UPI) -- Men's tennis star Roger Federer of Switzerland was forced to withdraw from the Summer Games in Tokyo after experiencing a "setback" with his knee during the grass-court season. "I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games," Federer wrote in a Twitter post Tuesday. "I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.
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"I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the Tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from afar."
Federer, who has won a record-tying 20 Grand Slam men's singles titles, lost to Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-0 in the Wimbledon quarterfinals earlier this month.
He said before Wimbledon that he would make a decision about competing at the Tokyo Olympics after the Grand Slam tournament ended.
Federer underwent two procedures on his right knee last year and was sidelined for more than 12 months. He arrived at the All England Club having played in just eight matches this season.
The Swiss star captured a gold medal alongside Stan Wawrinka in doubles play at the 2008 Games in Beijing. He also won silver in singles play at the 2012 London Olympics, losing to Britain's Andy Murray in the final.
Federer missed the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro due to problems with his left knee.
The 39-year-old Federer joins a growing list of players who won't travel to Tokyo. Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Simona Halep, Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios are among those who won't compete in the Summer Games.
Tennis events run from July 24 through Aug. 1 for the postponed 2020 Summer Games, which will take place without fans in attendance due to COVID-19 issues in Japan.
