Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer
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LONDON, England – Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has announced that he will skip the French Open later this month and will play instead at Wimbledon and at the US Open.
In a message on his website yesterday, Federer said: “I’ve been working really hard, both on and off the court, during the last month but in order to try and play on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour for many years to come, I feel it’s best to skip the clay court season this year.”
“I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity. Thus, my team and I concluded that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season” he also said.
“I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year,” Federer added.
The 2017 French Open kicks off on May 28.
On the other hand, Federer’s coach Severin Luthi told The Associated Press: “It was a tough decision to take because he likes to play the French Open, (he) likes to play the big tournaments. But I think it was the best decision for him. It’s an investment in his career – for this season and for the coming seasons.”
Federer won in the Australian Open last January, the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, Caifornia and the Miami Open last March.
It will not be the first time Federer is skipping the French Open. He failed to play in Paris last year because of back and knee problems.
Meanwhile, Luthi said Federer plans to play in Germany starting June 12, and at Halle, also in Germany, the following week before competing at Wimbledon on July 3.
The US Open will be in August. GAC/Expat Media
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