Federer will miss the Australian Open this year

Tennis legend Roger Federer will miss the Australian Open this year. The 20-time Grand Slam Champion stays away from the tournament to regain his health following knee surgery.

For the first time in his career, Federer is not going to play in the Australian Open.

The player, who recently resumed training, was earlier included in the shortlist for the Australian Open. Federer has won the Australian Open six times. Thirty-nine-year-old Roger Federer is currently the world number five. The Australian Open kicks off on February 8 in Melbourne.

The Swiss player, who underwent two knee surgeries, has been out of court since last February. Federer last played in the semi-finals of the last Australian Open. At that time, he lost to Serbian player Novak Djokovic. The player is expected to return to game next year after the Australian Open.