Roger Federer will miss the French Open following knee surgery

Roger Federer has had surgery on his right knee and will miss the French Open and several other tournaments.

Writing on his Facebook page Thursday, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said his knee had been “bothering” him “for a little while” so on Wednesday he had arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland.

Doctors “are very confident of a full recovery,” Federer said, before ending his post by telling his fans “see you on the grass!” as he targets a return for Wimbledon.

Federer will skip tournaments in Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota and Miami prior to the French Open, which starts May 24.

Federer could potentially return to play at one of his favorite tournaments in Halle, Germany, on June 15. He has was won the grass-court tournament 10 times.

Wimbledon starts June 29.

Federer lost to Nadal in the semifinals at Roland Garros last year and then beat the Spaniard in the semifinals at Wimbledon. He then lost to Novak Djokovic in the final after holding two match points.

Federer struggled with his fitness at times during the recent Australian Open,and was clearly hampered when he lost to Djokovic in straight sets in the semifinals after making a strong start.