French Open 2017: Roger Federer withdraws

Tennis star Roger Federer to withdraw from French Open to focus on grass and hard court tournaments.

The French Open is set to start in May, but it will be missing a notable name in Roger Federer. In a post on his website, Federer said the decision was made looking towards grass and hard court tournaments later in the year.”

“Regrettably, I’ve decided not to participate in the French Open,” Federer wrote. “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 World Tour for many years to come, I feel it’s best to skip the clay court season this year and prepare for the grass and hard court seasons.”

Federer has seen a resurgence this season after winning the Australian Open in January. Skipping another major tournament is disappointing for fans who become enthralled with the pursuit of Grand Slam titles.

But as Federer enters the twilight years of his career, he is making decisions about bettering his future and Federer has been the least successful at the French Open out of all Grand Slam competitions. Federer won just the 2009 French Open, but has won at least five titles in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.

“The start to the year has been magical for me but I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity moving forward,” Federer wrote. “Thus, my team and I concluded today 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. I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year.”