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Federer to miss the Miami Open
Defending champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from this month's Miami Open as he works his way back to full fitness following surgeries to repair his right knee, US media reported.
The 39 year-old Swiss star, who has not played since losing in the semi-finals of the 2020 Australian Open, is due to make his return from a year-long layoff at the Qatar Open in Doha next week.
The Herald said Federer could play in Dubai after Doha but would then take a training break.
Federer's withdrawal is a blow to organisers of the Miami tournament, who were forced to cancel last year's event as Covid-19 chaos left sport in North America at a stand-still.
The pandemic has already impacted the 2021 calendar, delaying the Australian Open and forcing the Indian Wells tournament in California - the traditional lead-in to the Miami Open - out of its usual slot in March.
Miami is still expected to feature a strong field despite Federer's withdrawal, with world number one Novak Djokovic and 20-time Grand Slam-winner Rafael Nadal confirmed for the men's draw.
Serena Williams and newly minted Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka are also slated to appear in the women's draw.
