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Federer withdraws from French open

PARIS — Roger Federer has withdrawn from the French Open after failing to recover from a back injury, bringing to an end the 17-time Major winner’s astonishing run of 65 consecutive Grand Slams.

Roger Federer. Photo: Getty Images

Roger Federer. Photo: Getty Images

PARIS — Roger Federer has withdrawn from the French Open after failing to recover from a back injury, bringing to an end the 17-time Major winner’s astonishing run of 65 consecutive Grand Slams.

But the 34-year-old world No 3 insisted that his career, which has yielded 88 titles and close to US$100 million (S$138.2 million) in prize money, is not facing its endgame.

“I regret to announce that I have made the decision not to play in this year’s French Open,” wrote the 2009 Roland Garros champion on his Facebook page.

“I have been making steady progress with my overall fitness, but I am still not 100 per cent and feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event before I am really ready.”

The former world No 1, who has been plagued by knee and back injuries this year, last missed a Grand Slam event in 1999, when he skipped the US Open.

Federer, with his 35th birthday looming in August, has played only four tournaments this year.

After losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals, he underwent knee surgery in February — his first such operation — after injuring himself while giving his children a bath.

He missed the US hardcourt swing before returning to action at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

Back pain then forced him to sit out Madrid, and he then lasted just two matches at the Rome Masters, where he was dumped out by Austrian youngster Dominic Thiem.

Federer insisted he will keep playing and will concentrate on preparing for the grass court season and a fresh bid to win an eighth Wimbledon, the scene of his most recent Grand Slam triumph in 2012. He also intends to compete at the Rio Olympics in August.

“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,” he said in his statement.

“I remain as motivated and excited as ever, and my plan is to achieve the highest level of fitness before returning to the ATP World Tour for the upcoming grass court season.

“I am sorry for my fans in Paris, but I very much look forward to returning to Roland Garros in 2017.”

Federer will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser to be determined from qualifying, which will be of little consolation to the 140,000 fans who left messages of sympathy on his Facebook page.

Federer’s withdrawal from the French Open, which starts tomorrow, will see nine-time champion Rafael Nadal promoted to fourth seed in Friday’s draw behind Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and defending champion Stan Wawrinka.

It means that dangerman Nadal cannot now meet Djokovic or Murray before the semi-finals.

Federer’s absence is another blow to Roland Garros organisers, who have seen two-time women’s champion Maria Sharapova sidelined through a doping suspension. AFP

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