Former world No. 1 Roger Federer, who is aiming to win his 21st Grand Slam at Wimbledon in Paris, abstained from the French Open on Sunday the day after winning the tough third round and himself for the grass court season. I chose to save.

“After discussing with the team, we have decided to withdraw from the French Open today,” Federer said in a statement released by the French Tennis Federation.

“It’s important to listen to your body and not rush back to competition after two knee surgeries and more than a year of rehab,” added the 39-year-old Swiss.

Federer, who has played very little in the last 17 months due to a knee injury, suffers physical damage after winning four sets of late-night wins against German Dominik Koepfer on Saturday, ending the Roland Garros campaign. I decided that. Played against Matteo Berrettini of Italy in the 4th round.

Roger Federer of Switzerland acted during the third round of the match against Dominik Koepfer of Germany on the seventh day of the Roland Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament held in Paris, France on June 5, 2021. (Christian Hartmann / Reuters)

After the match on Saturday, he said his season goal was Wimbledon, a grass court major starting June 28, and he was thinking about joining the second week of the Clay Court Grand Slam.

“We will experience these games … we will do the same tonight and tomorrow, analyzing them highly and seeing what happens next,” he said.

“Because you have to decide whether to continue playing, or because you have to decide if it’s not too risky to keep pushing for now, or if it’s the best way to rest. . “

Tournament director Guy Forget said, “It’s a shame that Roger Federer has withdrawn from the tournament at the French Open, but he had a great fight last night.

“We are all pleased that he has returned to Paris and played three top-level matches. We wish him good luck for the rest of the season.”

Roger Federer of Switzerland defeats Dominik Koepfer of Germany in the third round tennis match of the men’s singles on the 7th day of the Roland Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament held in Paris, France on June 5, 2021. , Left the court. (Martin Bureau / AFP via Getty image)

Mats Wilander, who won the Grand Slam seven times, said Federer’s decision made sense, as the eight-time Wimbledon champion had a lot of chances to succeed on the grass.

“He’s demonstrating that it’s a long-term project to come back. For me, that’s good news because it shows him playing a little longer,” said a Eurosport tennis expert. One Vilandel said.

“Obviously, he got the match he needed and wanted. Over the years his main period was the grass court season. He clearly enjoyed all the Grand Slams and different surfaces. But for him the glass is very natural and that is the most successful time for him.

“So yes, obviously perfect for him. I think it’s the perfect preparation.”

Julian Preto