Roger Federer to miss Rio Olympics, rest of season over knee injury

Roger Federer of Switzerland, front, walks off the court with Milos Raonic of Canada after being beaten by him in their men's semifinal singles match on day twelve of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Friday, July 8, 2016. (Ben Curtis/AP)

In this July 8, 2016, file photo, Roger Federer of Switzerland receives medical attention during his men's semifinal singles match against Milos Raonic of Canada at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. (Alastair Grant, File/AP)

In this Aug. 2, 2012, file photo, Roger Federer of Switzerland loses a point to John Isner of the United States at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London at the 2012 Summer Olympics. (Elise Amendola, File/AP)

Roger Federer says he will miss the Rio Olympics and the rest of the tennis season to protect his surgically repaired left knee.

Federer writes Tuesday on his Facebook page that he will skip the Summer Games, where the tennis competition starts next week, and has been advised by doctors to remain sidelined for the remainder of 2016.

Federer says he needs “more extensive rehabilitation” after arthroscopic knee surgery in February. That was the first operation of Federer’s lengthy and accomplished career.

The owner of a record 17 Grand Slams titles turns 35 on Aug. 8. He hasn’t played since losing to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semifinals early this month. Federer fell awkwardly during that match and said at the time he wasn’t sure how badly he might have been injured.