"After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” Federer wrote on Twitter. “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 2009 champion battled through a tough four-setter against Dominik Koepfer in the third round, which ended in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night,” Tournament Director Guy Forget said. “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.”
Berrettini advances to his second Grand Slam quarter-final. The Italian will next play World No. 1 Novak Djokovic or #NextGenATP Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
Federer is next scheduled to compete at the NOVENTI Open, beginning 14 June. The Swiss has won the grass-court ATP 500 tournament in Halle, Germany, 10 times. He will also compete at The Championships, where he will seek a ninth Wimbledon title.
atptour.com
An unsurprising and wise though very controversial decision, for which he's receiving a lot of scrutiny.
But Roger has made it no secret it's all about Wimbledon for him. He got what he wanted out of the French and that's match toughness and preparation for the grass.
Roland Garros will always belong to Rafa and if he wins it again he'll surpass Roger for all time Grand Slams. Wimbledon is Roger's only shot at keeping that record even.
Had he decided to play he could have possibly hurt one of his knees again (by pushing himself too quickly) and setting him back for another god knows how long.
I would much rather he take a few days off and train for the grass, where everyone knows he actually has a shot at winning.
A lot of people have voiced their opinion on the matter and think he should have toughed it out, or withdrew during the grueling match.
But than we wouldn't have gotten those incredible memories he created by winning. Also Roger has never withdrawn during a match in his whole career, so he wasn't about to start now.
Deciding to play could have also impacted the rest of his season and his longevity in general, and that would be a real shame, because him being around still competing for the biggest titles is good for the sport.
So while I'm very sad about him no longer being in the draw, at the same time I'm really looking forward to watching his artistry on the grass.
An unsurprising and wise though very controversial decision, for which he's receiving a lot of scrutiny.
But Roger has made it no secret it's all about Wimbledon for him. He got what he wanted out of the French and that's match toughness and preparation for the grass.
Roland Garros will always belong to Rafa and if he wins it again he'll surpass Roger for all time Grand Slams. Wimbledon is Roger's only shot at keeping that record even.
Had he decided to play he could have possibly hurt one of his knees again (by pushing himself too quickly) and setting him back for another god knows how long.
I would much rather he take a few days off and train for the grass, where everyone knows he actually has a shot at winning.
A lot of people have voiced their opinion on the matter and think he should have toughed it out, or withdrew during the grueling match.
But than we wouldn't have gotten those incredible memories he created by winning. Also Roger has never withdrawn during a match in his whole career, so he wasn't about to start now.
Deciding to play could have also impacted the rest of his season and his longevity in general, and that would be a real shame, because him being around still competing for the biggest titles is good for the sport.
So while I'm very sad about him no longer being in the draw, at the same time I'm really looking forward to watching his artistry on the grass.
It's been far too long since we've last witnessed it. Rest up champ, and see you on the grass.
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