The five-time champion, Federer, sustained a knee injury during Wimbledon and this has seen him out of action since the grass court Grand Slam.

The former world number one, who turned 40 years old last week, confirmed that he will undergo surgery.

“I’ll be on crutches for many weeks and also out of the game for many months.

“It’s going to be difficult of course in some ways.

“But at the same time, I know it’s the right thing to do because I want to be healthy, I want to be running around later again and I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form.

“I am realistic, don’t get me wrong. I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it.

“But I want to be healthy. I will go through the rehab process with a goal while I’m still active, which I think is going to help me during this long period of time.”

The 2021 US Open gets underway on 30 August.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport