Federer withdraws from the French Open in preparation for Wimbledon.

Former world number one Roger Federer withdrew from the French Open on Sunday, a day after winning a difficult third-round match, deciding to prepare himself for the grass-court season. Federer is aiming for a record 21st Grand Slam championship at Wimbledon.

“I decided to withdraw from the French Open today after conversations with my team,” Federer stated in a statement provided by the French Tennis Federation.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of recuperation, it’s critical that I listen to my body and don’t hurry back into competition,” the 39-year-old Swiss continued.

Federer, who hasn’t played in 17 months due to a knee injury, suffered physically in his four-set, late-night triumph over German Dominik Koepfer and opted to abandon his Roland Garros season before a difficult fourth-round encounter against Italian Matteo Berrettini.

He stated after his Saturday match that he was debating whether to compete in the second week of the claycourt Grand Slam because his season aim was Wimbledon, which begins in three weeks.

“We go over these matches… we analyse them well and look ahead to what’s next, and we’ll do the same tonight and tomorrow,” he explained.

“Because I need to determine if I want to keep playing or not, or if it’s not too risky to keep pushing right now, or whether this is simply a fantastic opportunity to take a break.”

“The French Open is disappointed to see Roger Federer retire from the competition, but he put up a fantastic fight last night,” said tournament director Guy Forget.

“We were all thrilled to see him return to Paris, where he played three top-level matches.” We wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season.”
Mats Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, said Federer’s selection made sense since the eight-time Wimbledon champion had a better chance of success on grass.

“It demonstrates that his return is a long-term endeavour.” That’s wonderful news for me because it suggests he’ll be around for a little longer,” Wilander, a tennis specialist for Eurosport, said.

“Obviously, he got the matches he required and desired.” The grass-court season has been his favourite throughout the years — he appreciates all of the Grand Slams and all surfaces, but the grass comes so naturally to him, and that’s where he’s had the most success. So, yep, clearly ideal for him. “I believe that is excellent preparation.”