Federer withdraws from French Open over knee concerns

Roger Federer, Swiss professional tennis player, put an end to his chance of claiming the French Open after he withdrew from the tournament on Sunday.

Federer, who will turn 40 on August 8, announced his decision to quit the Grand Slam tennis tournament in a statement via his Twitter handle, adding that he wants to protect his knee following two operations in 2020.

The Swiss maestro was supposed to face ninth-seeded Matteo Berrettini of Italy in the fourth round on Monday.

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— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 6, 2021

“After discussion with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of the French Open today,” the statement read.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it is 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 the court. See everyone soon.”

Berrettini, on the other hand, has received a walkover into the quarter-finals, where he awaits either world No.1 Novak Djokovic or 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti.

Reacting to the development, Guy Forget, the tournament director, wished Federer well for the rest of the season while also apologising to fans for his withdrawal.

“The Roland-Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night. 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.”

Federer has won the French Open title once — in 2009. The 20-time Grand Slam winner lost in the final on four other occasions, all to Rafael Nadal who has won it a record 13 times.