No Roger Federer in the 1/8th finals of Roland Garros. The tournament management announced on Sunday that the 39-year-old Swiss will forfeit his duel against Matteo Berrettini. He wants to fully focus on Wimbledon. “I can’t push my body too fast.”
Last night around 1 am Roger Federer had struggled to make his way to the last 16 at Roland Garros. After a fight of 3.5 hours and 4 heavy sets, the German Dominik Köpfer went for the axe.
Federer, who will turn 40 in early August and undergo two knee surgeries, announced this afternoon that he was stepping out of the tournament. “After discussions with my team, I decided to leave Roland Garros. After two operations and more than a year of rehabilitation, it is important to listen to my body and not to push myself too quickly.”
It’s important to listen to my body and not push myself too fast.
Roland Garros was Federer’s first Grand Slam tournament in 16 months. He didn’t return until March and the 20-time grand slam winner hasn’t played much since then. With Wimbledon in mind later this month, Federer wants to use his common sense.
The Italian Matteo Berrettini gets a place in the quarterfinals as a gift.
