Using a new biomaterial, scientists in the US have&nbsp;successfully repaired the damaged joint cartilage of an animal in a breakthrough that could someday help avoid knee replacement surgeries.

Cartilages are what hold together our joints, and are very difficult to repair or replace once damaged. Most joint cartilage issues are currently treated via microfracture surgery, which involves inducing cartilage growth by creating fractures in the bone. Cartilage damage is the main reason for most knee replacement surgeries.

<h2>Biomaterial repairs damaged cartilage: A breakthrough in regenerative nanomedicine</h2>

The new biomaterial was developed and successfully used in sheep by scientists at Northwestern University. It was injected in sheep with cartilage defects in the stifle joint in an experiment carried out at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.&nbsp;

The biomaterial regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of the sheep.&nbsp;It was able to not only repair but also grow new cartilage on the damaged knee joints of the animal within six months, according to the university.

The newborn cartilage contained natural biopolymers - collagen II and proteoglycans- which enable pain-free mechanical resilience in joints, it said in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The bioactive materials were used for driving the self-organisation of nanoscale fibres into bundles that mimic the natural architecture of cartilage, it said.

The goal was to create an attractive scaffold for the body’s own cells to regenerate cartilage tissue. "Using bioactive signals in the nanoscale fibres, the material encourages cartilage repair by the cells, which populate the scaffold," Northwestern University said in a release on the experiment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-strange-highway-formed-between-sun-and-earth-in-2023-nasa-says-747914">A strange 'highway' formed between Sun and Earth in 2023, NASA says</a>

<h2>What is the cartilage repair bioactive material made of?</h2>

The material is a "network of molecular components, which work together to mimic cartilage’s natural environment in the body," and looks like goo, said the release.&nbsp;Once injected,&nbsp;the thick, paste-like material transforms into a rubbery matrix, with new cartilage growing to fill the defect.

It consists of a "bioactive peptide that binds to transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb-1) — an essential protein for cartilage growth and maintenance — and modified hyaluronic acid, a natural polysaccharide present in cartilage and the lubricating synovial fluid in joints," said the release.

<h2>Regenerative biomaterial: Future of joint therapy?</h2>

There is hope that the bioactive material can eventually be used to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage in humans, avoiding the need for procedures like full knee replacements.

It can help in joint degeneration conditions like osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis and treat&nbsp;sports-related injuries.&nbsp;

“When cartilage becomes damaged or breaks down over time, it can have a great impact on people’s overall health and mobility. The problem is that, in adult humans, cartilage does not have an inherent ability to heal," the release quoted &nbsp;Samuel I&nbsp;Stupp, lead author of the study from Northwestern University, as saying.

"Our new therapy can induce repair in a tissue that does not naturally regenerate. We think our treatment could help address a serious, unmet clinical need.”

Stupp hopes the new material could be also applied to joints during open-joint or arthroscopic surgeries.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Using a new biomaterial, scientists in the US have successfully repaired the damaged joint cartilage of an animal in a breakthrough that could someday help avoid knee replacement surgeries.

Using a new biomaterial, scientists in the US have successfully repaired the damaged joint cartilage of an animal in a breakthrough that could someday help avoid knee replacement surgeries. Cartilages are what hold together our joints, and are very difficult to repair or replace once damaged. Most joint cartilage issues are currently treated via microfracture surgery, which involves inducing cartilage growth by creating fractures in the bone. Cartilage damage is the main reason for most knee replacement surgeries. Biomaterial repairs damaged cartilage: A breakthrough in regenerative nanomedicine The new biomaterial was developed and successfully used in sheep by scientists at Northwestern University. It was injected in sheep with cartilage defects in the stifle joint in an experiment carried out at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The biomaterial regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of the sheep. It was able to not only repair but also grow new cartilage on the damaged knee joints of the animal within six months, according to the university. The newborn cartilage contained natural biopolymers - collagen II and proteoglycans- which enable pain-free mechanical resilience in joints, it said in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The bioactive materials were used for driving the self-organisation of nanoscale fibres into bundles that mimic the natural architecture of cartilage, it said. The goal was to create an attractive scaffold for the body’s own cells to regenerate cartilage tissue. "Using bioactive signals in the nanoscale fibres, the material encourages cartilage repair by the cells, which populate the scaffold," Northwestern University said in a release on the experiment. Also read: A strange 'highway' formed between Sun and Earth in 2023, NASA says What is the cartilage repair bioactive material made of? The material is a "network of molecular components, which work together to mimic cartilage’s natural environment in the body," and looks like goo, said the release. Once injected, the thick, paste-like material transforms into a rubbery matrix, with new cartilage growing to fill the defect. It consists of a "bioactive peptide that binds to transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb-1) — an essential protein for cartilage growth and maintenance — and modified hyaluronic acid, a natural polysaccharide present in cartilage and the lubricating synovial fluid in joints," said the release. Regenerative biomaterial: Future of joint therapy? There is hope that the bioactive material can eventually be used to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage in humans, avoiding the need for procedures like full knee replacements. It can help in joint degeneration conditions like osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis and treat sports-related injuries. “When cartilage becomes damaged or breaks down over time, it can have a great impact on people’s overall health and mobility. The problem is that, in adult humans, cartilage does not have an inherent ability to heal," the release quoted Samuel I Stupp, lead author of the study from Northwestern University, as saying. "Our new therapy can induce repair in a tissue that does not naturally regenerate. We think our treatment could help address a serious, unmet clinical need.” Stupp hopes the new material could be also applied to joints during open-joint or arthroscopic surgeries. (With inputs from agencies)

This biomaterial can repair and regenerate cartilage tissue. End in sight for knee replacement surgeries?

In what comes as a massive blow to the Indian contingent, multi-time gold medal-winning wrestler Vinesh Phogat is out of the Asian Games 2023 due to a knee injury, she revealed in a post on social media. Phogat, who earlier made headlines for standing for the women wrestlers in their fight against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh over sexual assault charges, will undergo knee surgery in a couple of days, the statement added.

Defending champion at the Asian Games, Phogat expressed&nbsp;disappointment after missing out on her participation in the multi-team tournament, which is starting September 23 in Hangzhou, China.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gymnast-dipa-karmakar-fears-not-being-part-of-asian-games-2023-vents-out-frustration-on-recent-events-625666">Gymnast Dipa Karmakar fears not being part of Asian Games 2023, vents out frustration on recent events</a>

Phogat further revealed she will undergo surgery on her injured left knee on August 17 in Mumbai, which will likely keep her away from the mat for the foreseeable future. Phogat added she even informed the concerned authorities about her whereabouts and asked them to pick a reserve wrestler for the Asian Games 2023.

“I wanted to share an extremely sad piece of news. A couple of days ago on 13th August 2023, I injured my left knee in training. After doing the scans and examinations, the doctor has said that unfortunately, surgery is the only option for me to recover,” Phogat wrote in a note on social media.

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“I will be undergoing surgery on 17th August in Mumbai. It was my dream to retain my Asian Games Gold medal for India, which I won in 2018 at Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now. I have informed concerned authorities immediately so that the Reserve player can be sent to the Asian Games,” she added.

With the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist getting ruled out of the competition, the 20-year-old Antim Panghal might fill the void. Panghal stood tall in the trials and was on standby in case of an injury to anyone.

<h2>Vinesh eyes return at&nbsp;Paris Games next year</h2>

Following the Asian Games 2023, India will send a large contingent for the Summer Olympics in Paris next year, and Phogat, in her post, asked fans to keep supporting her as she aims to make a comeback at the greatest spectacle in 2024.&nbsp;

"I would like to request all the fans to continue supporting me so that I can make a strong comeback on the mat soon and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your support gives me a lot of strength," Vinesh wrote.

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In what comes as a massive blow to the Indian contingent, multi-time gold medal-winning wrestler Vinesh Phogat is out of the Asian Games 2023 due to a knee injury, she revealed in a post on social media.

In what comes as a massive blow to the Indian contingent, multi-time gold medal-winning wrestler Vinesh Phogat is out of the Asian Games 2023 due to a knee injury, she revealed in a post on social media. Phogat, who earlier made headlines for standing for the women wrestlers in their fight against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Singh over sexual assault charges, will undergo knee surgery in a couple of days, the statement added. Defending champion at the Asian Games, Phogat expressed disappointment after missing out on her participation in the multi-team tournament, which is starting September 23 in Hangzhou, China. ALSO READ: Gymnast Dipa Karmakar fears not being part of Asian Games 2023, vents out frustration on recent events Phogat further revealed she will undergo surgery on her injured left knee on August 17 in Mumbai, which will likely keep her away from the mat for the foreseeable future. Phogat added she even informed the concerned authorities about her whereabouts and asked them to pick a reserve wrestler for the Asian Games 2023. “I wanted to share an extremely sad piece of news. A couple of days ago on 13th August 2023, I injured my left knee in training. After doing the scans and examinations, the doctor has said that unfortunately, surgery is the only option for me to recover,” Phogat wrote in a note on social media. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8irSqwozbL — Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 15, 2023 × “I will be undergoing surgery on 17th August in Mumbai. It was my dream to retain my Asian Games Gold medal for India, which I won in 2018 at Jakarta. But unfortunately, this injury has ruled out my participation now. I have informed concerned authorities immediately so that the Reserve player can be sent to the Asian Games,” she added. With the two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist getting ruled out of the competition, the 20-year-old Antim Panghal might fill the void. Panghal stood tall in the trials and was on standby in case of an injury to anyone. Vinesh eyes return at Paris Games next year Following the Asian Games 2023, India will send a large contingent for the Summer Olympics in Paris next year, and Phogat, in her post, asked fans to keep supporting her as she aims to make a comeback at the greatest spectacle in 2024. "I would like to request all the fans to continue supporting me so that I can make a strong comeback on the mat soon and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Your support gives me a lot of strength," Vinesh wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blow to India! Vinesh Phogat ruled out of Asian Games 2023 due to knee injury, set to undergo surgery

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said.

Tony Godsick — Federer’s long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 — said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for him, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year’s first major tennis tournament.

The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive match at the season-opening Grand Slam in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later required a second operation.

The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Federer, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told organisers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him. 
However, his agent Tony Godsick said Federer was not quite ready to return.

"Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness.

"However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open."

Godsick added that he was looking to build a playing calendar for Federer from late February.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year`s event.

"In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he`s very disappointed he won`t be coming to Melbourne in 2021," Tiley said in a statement.

"We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022."

Federer has been an ever-present at Melbourne Park since his first appearance when he lost in qualifying in 1999.

He has made 15 trips to the semi-finals and won the last of his six Melbourne titles in 2018.

Federer made the semis earlier this year, losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said.

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said. Tony Godsick — Federer’s long-time representative and CEO of their management company, TEAM8 — said he is working on putting together a 2021 tennis calendar for him, who plans to get back on tour soon after the year’s first major tennis tournament. The 39-year-old Swiss last played a competitive match at the season-opening Grand Slam in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later required a second operation. The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Federer, who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told organisers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him. However, his agent Tony Godsick said Federer was not quite ready to return. "Roger has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a statement. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months with his knee and his fitness. "However, after consultation with his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open." Godsick added that he was looking to build a playing calendar for Federer from late February. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year`s event. "In the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a Grand Slam and he`s very disappointed he won`t be coming to Melbourne in 2021," Tiley said in a statement. "We wish him all the best as he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to seeing him in Melbourne in 2022." Federer has been an ever-present at Melbourne Park since his first appearance when he lost in qualifying in 1999. He has made 15 trips to the semi-finals and won the last of his six Melbourne titles in 2018. Federer made the semis earlier this year, losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic. (With inputs from agencies)

Roger Federer out of Australian Open after knee surgery but planning 2021 return: Agent

New research suggests that older adults about to undergo elective surgery should undertake a sustained program of targeted exercise beforehand to counteract the muscle-wasting effects of bed rest.

A study published by researchers in the University of Birmingham`s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences showed that short term `prehabilitation` strength exercises, undertaken pre-surgery, are insufficient to prevent muscle loss. 
 
In the study, the researchers asked a group of older adults to perform four sessions of weight lifting exercise over one week. The participants did the exercises using only one leg, while the other leg did no exercise at all. 
 
After completing the prehabilitation, the participants underwent five days of bed-rest - a typical length of stay in hospital for an older patient. 
 
Although the researchers expected to find that the leg which had undergone the exercise would experience less muscle loss than the other leg, in fact they found muscle loss was about the same in both legs. 
 
The team`s detailed analysis showed that, while short-term exercise prehabilitation does enhance the body`s muscle-building processes, thigh muscle-wasting was about 3-4 per cent in both legs - roughly equivalent to what older adults would typically lose over 3-5 years of ageing. 
 
The researchers recommend that one approach to protect older muscle from wasting during hospitalisation is to perform longer-term strength exercise prehabilitation beforehand."Although short-term prehabilitation offers a cost-effective and easy-to-implement strategy, it does not prevent muscle wasting among older adults undergoing bed-rest," Dr Leigh Breen, the study`s corresponding author, said."This muscle loss may be extremely hard to recover from and can lead to long-term health and disease complications," added Breen. 
 
The team recommend that prehabilitation exercise programmes should also incorporate aerobic exercise alongside strength training to protect cardiovascular health, and a protein-rich diet to increase muscle mass levels in a way that will effectively cancel out the muscle loss that is experienced during bed-rest. They also recommend that where appropriate and safe, hospitalised older patients should aim to get back on their feet and mobile again as quickly as possible. 
 
Post-surgery exercise and dietary strategies will also be important to ensure a return to full health and lower the risk of future health complications. 
 
Dr Benoit Smeuninx, now at Monash University in Australia, is lead author on the paper."Our study reinforces the need for more research into the benefits of long term training programmes prior to surgery. In the same was as an athlete would train before a race or a competition, exercise training before hospitalisation is likely to be highly beneficial to older adults undergoing elective surgeries," He said. 
 
The work was completed in collaboration with colleagues within the Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, which is a partnership between the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham.The work was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.&nbsp;

New research suggests that older adults about to undergo elective surgery should undertake a sustained program of targeted exercise beforehand to counteract the muscle-wasting effects of bed rest.

New research suggests that older adults about to undergo elective surgery should undertake a sustained program of targeted exercise beforehand to counteract the muscle-wasting effects of bed rest. A study published by researchers in the University of Birmingham`s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences showed that short term `prehabilitation` strength exercises, undertaken pre-surgery, are insufficient to prevent muscle loss. In the study, the researchers asked a group of older adults to perform four sessions of weight lifting exercise over one week. The participants did the exercises using only one leg, while the other leg did no exercise at all. After completing the prehabilitation, the participants underwent five days of bed-rest - a typical length of stay in hospital for an older patient. Although the researchers expected to find that the leg which had undergone the exercise would experience less muscle loss than the other leg, in fact they found muscle loss was about the same in both legs. The team`s detailed analysis showed that, while short-term exercise prehabilitation does enhance the body`s muscle-building processes, thigh muscle-wasting was about 3-4 per cent in both legs - roughly equivalent to what older adults would typically lose over 3-5 years of ageing. The researchers recommend that one approach to protect older muscle from wasting during hospitalisation is to perform longer-term strength exercise prehabilitation beforehand."Although short-term prehabilitation offers a cost-effective and easy-to-implement strategy, it does not prevent muscle wasting among older adults undergoing bed-rest," Dr Leigh Breen, the study`s corresponding author, said."This muscle loss may be extremely hard to recover from and can lead to long-term health and disease complications," added Breen. The team recommend that prehabilitation exercise programmes should also incorporate aerobic exercise alongside strength training to protect cardiovascular health, and a protein-rich diet to increase muscle mass levels in a way that will effectively cancel out the muscle loss that is experienced during bed-rest. They also recommend that where appropriate and safe, hospitalised older patients should aim to get back on their feet and mobile again as quickly as possible. Post-surgery exercise and dietary strategies will also be important to ensure a return to full health and lower the risk of future health complications. Dr Benoit Smeuninx, now at Monash University in Australia, is lead author on the paper."Our study reinforces the need for more research into the benefits of long term training programmes prior to surgery. In the same was as an athlete would train before a race or a competition, exercise training before hospitalisation is likely to be highly beneficial to older adults undergoing elective surgeries," He said. The work was completed in collaboration with colleagues within the Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, which is a partnership between the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham.The work was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Older adults should undertake exercise ahead of elective surgery

Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-federer-nadal-play-to-record-crowd-in- cape-town-279367">Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town</a>

The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open.

"As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said.

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Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away.

He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic.

"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year.

"I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday."

"After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery.

"I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass."

Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons.

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— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1225686182681444353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors.

Federer&nbsp;also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season.

However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later.

He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic.

His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event.

This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2.

Federer&nbsp;has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games.

He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka.

Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers.

"We are disappointed not to see&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info.&nbsp;

"If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest."

Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons.

"The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week.

"It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season.

Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return.

"The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon.&nbsp;

"There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."

Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever.

Roger Federer has undergone surgery to resolve a longstanding knee problem and said Thursday he would be out of action until after the French Open while his rivals backed the 38-year-old to return as strong as ever. Also read: Tennis: Federer, Nadal play to record crowd in Cape Town The 20-times Grand Slam winner revealed on his Facebook account that he underwent surgery in Switzerland on Wednesday and would miss a string of tournaments including the May 24-June 7 French Open. "As a result, I will miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open," he said. pic.twitter.com/VVGI1o8XYZ — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 20, 2020 × Federer, who has amassed 103 career titles, explained that he had intended to avoid surgery if possible but the problem in his right knee refused to go away. He will now target a return for the grass-court season and an assault on a ninth Wimbledon title after reaching the final in 2019 where he had two championship points before losing an epic final to Novak Djokovic. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while," added the world number three who reached the Roland Garros semi-finals last year. "I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday." "After the surgery, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery. "I can't wait to be back playing again soon -- see you on the grass." Federer, French Open champion back in 2009, will miss Roland Garros for the fourth time in five seasons. 🤹‍♂️🥁🚀🏟 Speechless 😶 pic.twitter.com/oI3YSR7eLd — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) February 7, 2020 × His absence from Paris means his great rival Rafael Nadal, the 12-time champion, can draw level with the Swiss on 20 majors. Federer also underwent surgery on his left knee in February 2016 which allowed him just seven tournaments that season. However, that surgery-enforced absence eventually paid dividends with another Australian Open title and then Wimbledon six months later. He has only played one tournament in 2020, making the semi-finals of the Australian Open where he was defeated again by eventual champion Djokovic. His last appearance on a court was an exhibition event in Cape Town earlier this month where his charity match with Nadal was played in front of 50,000 spectators, a world record for a tennis event. This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29-July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25-August 2. Federer has yet to win a singles gold medal at the Games. He was a silver medallist in London 2012 while, four years earlier in Beijing, he won the doubles title with Swiss teammate Stan Wawrinka. Federer's decision to skip the French Open was met with understanding by organisers. "We are disappointed not to see Roger again," tournament director Guy Forget told France Info. "If he had taken this decision, then it was the wisest." Russian world number five Daniil Medvedev said it was sad to see Federer forced to sit out the US hardcourt and European clay-court seasons. "The news shocked me. I didn't know he was going to have an operation," said Medvedev who is the top seed at the ongoing Marseille ATP event this week. "It's a little sad for him in the sense that he misses tournaments when he is still playing well. I'm sure he's going to come back well at the grass-court season. Fellow veteran Gilles Simon, who played Federer for the first time 12 years ago, said the great Swiss will be a serious contender on his return. "The last time it was hard but he still won the Australian Open in his stride after not playing for nine months!" said the 35-year-old Simon. "There's nothing else to say. We'll wait and see."

Roger Federer targets Wimbledon after knee surgery blow

Indian Premier League&#39;s (IPL) widely celebrated franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt with a big blow, days ahead of the 11th edition of the tournament.

The franchise, which is making a comeback after being suspended for two years, is seeking a replacement for New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner after he was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

Santner, who was bought for Rs 50 lakh at IPL 2018 auctions, was seen as an important player for the Yellow Brigade, as the team will already be without the services of R Ashwin, who has been appointed as the new skipper of Kings XI Punjab.

Santner will undergo a knee surgery and will miss out on the upcoming Test series against England followed by the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the spinner could be out of cricketing action for six to nine months.

&quot;Mitchell is a key player in all three formats for us, so we&#39;ll certainly miss him in the upcoming series,&quot; coach Mike Hesson said.

&quot;It&#39;s important though that he gets this fixed and we have him back for what is a big next 18 months for us.&quot;

After Santner ruling, the two-time champions have Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir as the only two reputed spinners in the Indian squad with Ravindra Jadeja, who was one of the first three key players retained by CSK.

MS Dhoni and his team will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the tournament at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7.

Indian Premier League's (IPL) widely celebrated franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt with a big blow, days ahead of the 11th edition of the tournament. The franchise, which is making a comeback after being suspended for two years, is seeking a replacement for New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner after he was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Santner, who was bought for Rs 50 lakh at IPL 2018 auctions, was seen as an important player for the Yellow Brigade, as the team will already be without the services of R Ashwin, who has been appointed as the new skipper of Kings XI Punjab. Santner will undergo a knee surgery and will miss out on the upcoming Test series against England followed by the Indian Premier League. As per media reports, the spinner could be out of cricketing action for six to nine months. "Mitchell is a key player in all three formats for us, so we'll certainly miss him in the upcoming series," coach Mike Hesson said. "It's important though that he gets this fixed and we have him back for what is a big next 18 months for us." After Santner ruling, the two-time champions have Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir as the only two reputed spinners in the Indian squad with Ravindra Jadeja, who was one of the first three key players retained by CSK. MS Dhoni and his team will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the tournament at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7.

IPL 2018: CSK's Mitchell Santner ruled out of the tournament due to knee injury

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