20 time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has pulled out of this year’s French Open. The 39 year old was due to face Matteo Berrettini in the fourth round of Roland Garros.
Wimbledon priority for Federer
Former World number 1 Federer wrote in a statement on his social media account, “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 3 matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court. See everyone soon!”
The mercurial Swiss ousted Germany’s Dominik Koepfer in a tight third round encounter 6-7, 7-6, 6-7,5-7. The pull out comes as no surprise as Federer is scheduling to be in peak form ahead of Wimbledon where he will be aiming for a record 9th title. Federer underwent back-to-back knee surgeries which kept him off court for almost 18 months. He made his return at Qatar losing to Nikoloz Basilashvii in the quarters.