Roger Federer’s legions of fans will be hoping the Swiss great can again recover successfully from arthroscopic knee surgery.
Federer announced he will not return to tennis until the grass-court season following the procedure on his right knee.
The world No.3 will miss tournaments in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami, as well as the French Open.
It will be the fourth time in the past five seasons that Federer has not contested Roland Garros.
"My right knee has been bothering me for a little while,” Federer revealed.
"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 procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery.
"I am grateful for everyone's support. I can't wait to be back playing again soon, see you on the grass."
In February 2016, Federer underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and after Wimbledon that year did not play again in order to completely rehabilitate and recover.
He made a dazzling return in 2017, entering the Australian Open without a tour-level match under his belt and going on to win the title, beating long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a five-set final.
It set the stage for a remarkable year during which he won seven titles, including a 19th Grand Slam crown at Wimbledon plus Masters titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Shanghai.
He defended his Australian Open title in 2018 for his 20th and most recent major singles trophy.
He will aim for a men’s record-extending ninth Wimbledon title when he makes his anticipated return to the tour.
Although now 38 years of age, Federer has shown impressive durability when he does compete – which in recent years has occurred throughout a limited schedule of less than 15 events each season.
He came within a point of last year’s Wimbledon title and advanced to the semifinals of Australian Open 2020 despite no official lead-in events and while playing through physical problems.