Roger Federer withdraws from French Open

060621_getty_federer
John Berry/Getty Images

(PARIS) — Tennis star Roger Federer has withdrawn from the French Open, Roland-Garros announced Sunday.

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of the French Open today,” said Federer in a statement. “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 3 matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”

Federer, the eighth seed, was set to face ninth seed Matteo Berrettini on Monday. Berrettini will receive a walkover into the quarterfinals and will face either top seed Novak Djokovic or 19-year old Lorenzo Musetti

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

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.