Roger Federer will have to wait to try and break away from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic for the all-time leader in Grand Slam men's singles titles.
The 40-year old Swiss star announced on Sunday via his Instagram account that he needs a third knee surgery, taking him out of competition for the U.S. Open Championship in late August.
"I've been doing a lot of checks with the doctors on my knee," Federer announced to his 8.6 million followers in the video.
"I hurt myself further during the grass-court session and it's just not the way to go forward. They told me... to feel better that I'll need surgery. I decided to do it."
Federer said he'll be on crutches for many weeks and, "out of the game for many months." He also says, "I want to give myself a glimmer of hope to return to the tour in some shape or form. I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it, but I want to be healthy."
Novak Djokovic's Odds to win the U.S. Open Should Only Get Lower
Federer was sixth on WynnBET's odds to walk away with his sixth U.S. Open title. He won five consecutive years from 2004-2008. Novak Djokovic remains the heavy favorite at -140 odds over Daniil Medvedec (+500), Rafael Nadal (+700), Alexander Zverev (+800), and Stefanos Tsitsipas (+1000).
Djokovic was also the overwhelming favorite at the 2020 Olympics, but fell in the Bronze medal match to Pablo Carreño-Busta of Spain. Carreño-Busta is +8000 to win his first U.S. Open.
A win for Djokovic would put him in a category of his own in men's tennis; as he would surpass Federer and Nadal for the most all-time Grand Slam titles with 20. Serena Williams is second all-time on the women's side with 23, just one behind Margaret Court at 24.
Who will take home this year's U.S. Open Championship? Make your pick today at WynnBET!