Roger Federer has always considered Rio as one of the most important events of the season, and it should have been really hard for him not to play.

Unfortunately, Roger’s withdrawal was a big blow also for tennis in Rio and Gustavo Kuerten is not hiding his feelings.

Why Federer’s absence is devastating

During a recent interview, Gustavo explains to Omnisport why Federer was so important for the Games.

“It is a big loss for Brazil,” Kuerten commented.

“Perhaps the best tennis player ever but he is a human being. That is what the Olympics is all about.

He loves to be in Brazil. I am sure he is feeling very weak and must have major problems otherwise he would be here. He had everything planned already.

For us it is sad. For me, he is the one I miss the most from this Olympics.”

Other top players will not participate to Rio. Among them Wawrinka, Raonic, Berdych, Tsonga, Thiem Kyrgios, Tomic, Feliciano Lopez and the Bryans.