The French Open has confirmed that 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from the tournament less than 24 hours after suggesting he may do so.
In a statement issued on social media by the tournament, the French Tennis Federation said they have ‘learned’ that the Swiss Maestro has pulled out but didn’t elaborate any further. Federer sealed his place in the fourth round of the tournament on Saturday night after winning a three-and-a-half hour clash against Dominik Koepfer of Germany.
Following his latest triumph, the world No.8 hinted that he may not play his next match due to concerns related to his knee. Federer is currently on the comeback from injury after undergoing two surgical procedures last year. He has previously said that his aim is to reach full fitness in time for the Wimbledon Championships which will begin in less than four weeks time.
“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of the French Open today,” Federer said in a statement. “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 French Open was only the third tournament Federer has played this year after Doha and Geneva. Earlier in the tournament he scored wins over Denis Istomin and former US Open champion Marin Cilic.
As a result of Federer’s withdrawal, Matteo Berrettini has become the first player to seal a spot in the last eight of the men’s draw. It is the first time he has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and only the second time he has done so at a Grand Slam. He reached the semi-finals of the US Open back in 2019.
Federer’s next tournament will be Halle in Germany which will begin a week tomorrow.
