Geneva (AFP)

Roger Federer said on Friday that "athletes need a firm decision" on whether to hold the Tokyo Olympics, the tennis star adding that he would fully understand if the event, already postponed for a year, was finally canceled.

An Olympic gold medal in singles is the only major honor missing from the impressive collection of the former world No.1, but the 39-year-old Swiss, who won a doubles gold in Beijing in 2008 with his compatriot Stan Wawrinka, said he would understand if the Games were canceled.

The 2020 Olympics, which have been postponed due to the pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

"It's difficult," Federer said in an interview with Swiss television station Léman Bleu.

"We don't hear much. It makes me think that the Games will be held, although I have heard that a lot of people in Tokyo are against the Games," said the Basel native.

"Apparently many are not vaccinated either," said Federer, who also revealed in this interview to have been vaccinated with "the Pfizer".

Japan extended the state of emergency linked to the coronavirus on Friday, just 10 weeks before the opening of the Olympics, as activists submitted a petition of more than 350,000 signatures calling for their cancellation.

While Tokyo and other regions were already under an emergency order until the end of May, three other regions - including northern Hokkaido, which will host the Olympic marathon - have come from them. rejoin.

The widening state of emergency, which aims to tackle a fourth wave that is straining Japan's medical system, comes as public opinion strongly opposes hosting the Games, fearing further infections.

“Honestly, I don't know what to think,” Federer said.

"I would love to play the Olympics: winning a medal for Switzerland would make me so proud. But if it didn't happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand."

“But I think what athletes need is a decision: is it getting done or it's not happening? Right now, we feel like it will. We know. that it's a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there is a lot of resistance, maybe it's best not to go. "

Federer competes in the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning after more than a year of hiatus due to knee problems.

2008 Beijing Olympic singles champion Rafael Nadal admitted on Tuesday that he had not yet decided whether he would compete in Tokyo, with the Spaniard giving himself more time to decide based on "circumstances".

American Serena Williams said on Monday she was undecided about her participation in the Olympics, while Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori both questioned whether or not to host the Games in Tokyo.

© 2021 AFP