At a time when tens of thousands of people are calling for the Olympic Games to be canceled, Roger Federer said on Friday that "the athletes need a firm decision" on whether Tokyo 2021 is to be maintained.

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 Covid-19 pandemic, are scheduled to open on July 23.

Federer vaccinated with Pfizer

"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 take place, although I have heard that a lot of people in Tokyo are against the Games, ”explained the Basel native.

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

Emergency ordinance extended to three Japanese regions

Japan extended the state of emergency linked to the coronavirus on Friday, just ten 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.

"I would love to play the Olympics", but ...

“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 this does not happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand ”.

“But I think what athletes need is a decision: is it happening or is it not?

For now, we have the impression that it will be done.

We know 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, it might be best not to go.

"

Nadal has not yet made up his mind

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.

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