July 7, 2021; London, Great Britain; Roger Federer (Switzerland) plays with Hubert Hurkacz (Poland) in the quarter-finals of the All England Lawn Tennis & Crockett Club. Forced pass: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sport / File Photo

(Reuters) – Roger Federer will have another knee surgery and will leave the US Open because rehabilitation will keep him from playing for months, Roger Federer said on Sunday.

Speaking in a video posted to his Instagram account, the 40-year-old said his doctors had told him he needed surgery to feel better, and hoped the operation would give him “a glimmer of hope” to get back to work.

“I will be on crutches for a few weeks and then leave the game for a few months,” Federer said.

“Of course it will be difficult in some ways, but at the same time I know it’s true because I want to be healthy and I want to run later.”

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion in one match, underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 that resulted in more than a year of rehabilitation and was back in action in March – 13 months after being eliminated in last year’s Australian semi-final. Opens.

He withdrew from the French Open in June after winning a third-round match to save himself a season on the court and try to win a record ninth Wimbledon title.

Federer reached the quarter-finals at the All England Club, but lost in straight sets to Paul Hubert Hurkacz and did not win the match in the third set.

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Federer then withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics as well as from a series of pre-session events from August 30 to September 30. 12. US Open.

“I also want to give myself a glimmer of hope to get back on the road in some form or form,” Federer said.

“I’m a realist, don’t get me wrong, I know how difficult it is to have another surgery and I’m trying it now at this age, but it seems like I want to be healthy and go through rehab, which I also see as a goal when I’m active and what I think will help me during this time.” .a long period of time.”

At the end of the 97-second video, Federer thanked his fans for their support.

“You’re always amazing, you always think of me,” Federer said. “Some of you fight me, some wish me the best and want to see me back on the field or see me smile. I feel good, so I appreciate it.”

“And I will let you know when I continue with rehab. I wish you all the best and will be in touch soon.”

(Additional coverage by Frank Bing in Toronto; Editing by Ed Osmond

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