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But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas.
“Honestly I don’t know what to think. I’m a bit between the two,” Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday.
“I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud. But if it doesn’t happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand.
“I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen?
“At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it’s a fluid situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there’s a lot of resistance, maybe it’s better not to go. I don’t know.”
Rafael Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most grand slam singles titles in men’s tennis, and 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo.
Japan’s top-ranked women’s and men’s tennis players — Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori — also added their voices to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the Olympics amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.
Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
“I’m glad that I could do it, with all the traveling I do,” said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems.
“Even if I’m staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don’t want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful.
“We’re very careful with the family and with our friends.”
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