THE Australian Open is underway over in Melbourne.
But the current world No 5 and one of the greatest to grace the court, Roger Federer, will be playing NO part of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Why is Roger Federer not playing in the Australian Open?
The Swiss master Federer, 39 will not be in Melbourne this year.
He still recovering from a right ankle injury, and withdrew his participation from the tournament late last year.
Australian Open Director Craig Tiley said: “In the end, Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he’s very disappointed he won’t be coming to Melbourne in 2021.
“The Australian Open has always held a special place in his heart – remember it was Roger who first called the AO the ‘Happy Slam’.
“We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022.”
When is the Australian Open 2021?
- The tournament will begin on Monday, February 8 and runs for a fortnight.
- Things come to a close with the men’s singles title decided on Sunday, February 21.
- It’s the 109th edition of the tournament, which is held annually at Melbourne Park.
- Originally, the competition was slated to run between January 18-31 but was moved so the top names in world tennis could attend.
Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
You will be able to tune into the Australian Open on Eurosport here in the UK.
Eurosport customers can watch on their TV, or stream using the Eurosport Player.
You can find Eurosport 1 on Sky channel 410.
Australian Open schedule
- Men’s and women’s singles first round – February 8
- Men’s and women’s singles first round – February 9
- Men’s and women’s singles second round – February 10
- Men’s and women’s singles second round – February 11
- Men’s and women’s singles third round – February 12
- Men’s and women’s singles third round – February 13
- Men’s and women’s singles fourth round – February 14
- Men’s and women’s singles fourth round – February 15
- Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals – February 16
- Men’s and women’s singles quarter-finals – February 17
- Women’s semi-finals and first men’s semi-final – February 18
- Second men’s semi-final – February 19
- Women’s final – February 20
- Men’s final – February 21
