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Roger Federer's dream of playing 2020 Tokyo Olympics still alive

The 37-year-old could play at 2020 Olympics even if he does not play for Switzerland in Davis Cup

Roger Federer
Image: An Olympic singles gold medal still eludes 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer

Roger Federer is likely to be eligible to play at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 even if he does not compete for Switzerland in the revamped Davis Cup next year.

The 37-year-old's lucrative clothing deal with Japanese firm Uniqlo was seen as another indication he was hoping to play on until what would be a fifth Olympics, with a singles gold medal the one major title still to elude him.

But, according to the rules, in order to qualify for Tokyo players need to have taken part in at least two Davis Cup or Fed Cup ties during the current Olympic cycle, including one in 2019 or 2020.

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Federer has not played in the competition since 2015 and Switzerland missed out on a wild card for the inaugural finals week of the revamped Davis Cup next November, with Britain and Argentina picked instead.

Switzerland instead must face Russia in the qualifiers in February immediately after the Australian Open, where an appearance by Federer would be a major surprise.

But International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty revealed there is wriggle room, saying: "Within the rules are things about past champions, past Olympians and grand slam winners.

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"I have been talking to Roger's team and they're aware of things. He may or may not play Davis Cup, it hasn't been decided one way or another, but all that will be factored in. Certainly someone like Roger would be great to have at the Olympics."

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Haggerty confirmed on Tuesday that next year's Davis Cup finals week will be held in November at the very end of the season, which could make attracting the best players very difficult.

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