Roger Federer after pulling out of French Open: I must listen to my body

Roger Federer during his third-round win over Dominik Koepfer at Roland Garros. Pics/AFP

Roger Federer pulled out of what was possibly his last French Open on Sunday as a precautionary measure to rest up before Wimbledon, unwilling to risk his troublesome knee after an injury-plagued past 18 months.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam title winner, who will be 40 in two months' time, had battled over three-and-a-half hours until 12.45 am on Sunday morning to reach the last 16 in Paris.

"After discussions with my team, I've decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today," Federer said. "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."

Master's strokes: Roger Federer's top shots from what may have been his last French Open tie yesterday

The Swiss ace was to play Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals, but Federer had cast doubt over whether he would continue following his win over Dominik Koepfer. Federer was playing only his third tournament since last year's Australian Open and has always said Wimbledon is his main goal. He is chasing a ninth title at Wimbledon which starts on June 28. He is also scheduled to play the warm-up grass-court tournament in Halle beginning on June 14, the day after the French Open ends.

"The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night. 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," said tournament director
Guy Forget.

If his knife-edge 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 win over 59th-ranked Koepfer was his last match in Paris, it will be remembered as a gripping affair on the court, but soulless off it. Due to a government-imposed COVID-19 curfew, Court Philippe Chatrier was devoid of fans.

Federer, who made his Roland Garros debut in 1999 and was champion in 2009, was playing a night session for the first time. However, the almost empty 15,000-capacity court was eerily silent.

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