24 February,2018 11:42 AM IST | Dubai | AFP
Roger Federer
Roger Federer will not take up a wild card invitation to next week's Dubai Championships, the event's tournament director confirmed on Friday, with the new world number one opting for an awards ceremony in Monte Carlo instead. Tournament director Salah Talhak told local media that 36-year-old Federer, the oldest man to take the top ranking, said the seven-time champion intends to play the event in 2019.
"I understand and I believe whatever's good for him is good for us. You can't really push him more," Talhak told Sport360. "Had he not won in Rotterdam he would have definitely come here." Earlier Friday, Federer tweeted his intention to travel to Monte Carlo next Tuesday to attend the Laureus awards ceremony where he is again a nominee. "Excited to be heading to Monaco for the @LaureusSport Awards! Good luck to all the Nominees - see you next week #Laureus18," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam winner. Federer cannot lose the world number one spot next week even if old rival Rafael Nadal triumphs in Acapulco.
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
ALSO READ
Former No. 1 Fraser was a true legend, says Federer
Roger Federer’s legacy reverberates in D Gukesh’s historic win, know how
‘Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more’
Roger Federer tells friend and rival Rafael Nadal that he made him enjoy tennis more
'Showing off those biceps..': Federer revisits his first glimpse of young Nadal
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
