Swiss legend Roger Federer has announced he will not be playing in the French Open as he gets ready for Wimbledon
ROGER FEDERER has announced he will not be taking part in the French Open in an attempt to prolong his career as he gets ready for Wimbledon.
The 35-year-old will not be competing at Roland Garros for a second consecutive year after injury prevented him from playing in 2016.
Swiss legend Roger Federer will not be taking part in this year’s French Open as he attempts to prolong his careerGetty ImagesThe 35-year-old will instead be focusing on Wimbledon and hard court tournaments in the closing stages of the yearReuters
Federer won the Australian Open back in January for an unprecedented 18-Grand Slam titles, and is sacrificing the clay tournament as he looks to prevent further hiccups.
The fifth seed said in a statement on his website: “Regrettably, I’ve decided not to participate in the French Open.
“I’ve been working really hard, both on and off the court, during the last month but in order to try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come, I feel it’s best to skip the clay court season this year and prepare for the grass and hard court seasons.
“The start to the year has been magical for me but I need to recognise that scheduling will be the key to my longevity moving forward.
Roger Federer has tasted success at the French Open just once – beating Robin Soderling in 2009AP:Associated Press
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“Thus, my team and I concluded today that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season.
“I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year.”
The Swiss legend has won once at the French Open – back in 2009, and is a four-time runner-up.
After winning his sixth title Down Under, he clinched the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in March, before he was victorious at the Miami Open two weeks later.
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