On Sunday, the organizers announced the withdrawal of Roger Federer, the former leader of the world ranked championship, winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments, from the French Open. The famous tennis player was competing for the quarter-finals with Italian Matteo Berrettini.
After speaking to my team, I have decided that I have to withdraw from the French Open today. After two knee surgeries and more than a year of rehab, it’s important to listen to your body and not rush into competition again. Federer admitted in a statement issued by the French Federation.
Several hours ago, after a fierce duel that ended just after midnight, he defeated Swiss German Dominic Kupfer in the finals 1/16 7:6 (7-5), 6:7 (3-7), 7:6 (7-) 4), 7:5.
Federer returned to the Grand Slam after 16 months.
The tennis player, who will turn 40 on August 8, for the 68th time, entered the top 16 of one of the four most prestigious tournaments this season, a record.
Before arriving in Paris, he only played one game this season on dirt. He also announced that this year’s competition on tennis courts. He treats Roland Garros only as a pre-match stage on grass and his main target at Wimbledon.
Federer has 20 Grand Slam titles to his credit and shares the men’s all-time record with Rafael Nadal.
Paris and its “bricks” were not his favorite place to play. At times he missed every part of the season on clay. He won only once at the French Open – 2009.
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