Roger Federer withdraws from French Open

Roger Federer withdraws from French Open

Roger Federer has withdrawn from the ongoing French Open. He was due back on court on Monday to tackle Matteo Berrettini for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Swiss maestro has decided to pull out from the ongoing French Open owing to multiple knee injury surgeries.

Roger Federer said Sunday he was withdrawing from the French Open despite having reached the fourth round, opting to focus on his primary objective of winning a ninth Wimbledon title.

Federer’s marathon four-set thriller win over Germany’s Dominik Koepfer helped him to move into the fourth round of the Grand Slam tournament for a record-extending 68th time. The 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4), 7-5 win saw Federer play the longest match in his career in the last 18 months, since the two surgeries on his right knee last year.

After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” the 39-year-old said.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery.

“I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”

“The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night,” tournament director Guy Forget said in a statement.

“We were all delighted to see Roger back in Paris, where he played three high-level matches. We wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”