Roger Federer withdraws from Roland Garros

Roger Federer has withdrawn from Roland Garros because of fitness concerns. It means Federer will miss a Grand Slam for the first time this century.

“I have been making steady progress, but I am still not 100%,” said the world number three.

“I feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event before I am really ready.

“This decision was not easy to make, but I took it to ensure I could play the remainder of the season and help to extend the rest of my career.”

The 17-time grand slam champion, who last missed a slam at the 1999 US Open, posted a Facebook statement to reveal that he had failed to overcome a back injury.

After Federer, the next longest streak of playing at major tournaments is 56, held by Feliciano Lopez. Realistically, Federer had little chance of winning the French Open anyway. But the extra preparation time on grass should boost his prospects for Wimbledon

In 2013, Andy Murray also decided to skip Roland Garros because of a back injury and went on to lift the trophy at the All England Club four weeks later.

Roger will now focus on getting his fitness back to 100% and training for the upcoming grass court season. He is scheduled to play Stuttgart Open first and Halle after that, before Wimbledon starts.

We pray for Roger’s speedy recovery and wish him all the best for the preparation of the grass court season.