Roger Federer withdraws from Italian Open after injuring leg slipping on surface
The Swiss superstar withdrew from his quarter-final with Greek ace Stefanos Tsitsipas due to a right leg injury
ROGER FEDERER has suffered an injury scare just nine days before the French Open.
The Swiss tennis superstar, 37, withdrew from his Italian Open quarter-final with Greek ace Stefanos Tsitsipas due to a right leg injury.
Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, had hurt himself slipping on the wet baseline in Rome on Thursday.
According to the ATP Tour, Fed has never retired during one of 1,465 matches but it’s the fourth time in his career he has had a walkover loss.
Fed now faces a race-against-time to be fit next weekend for his first appearance at Roland Garros since 2015.
The world No3 said: “I’m disappointed that I’ll not be able to compete.
TOUGH DECISION
"I’m not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.
“Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year.”
On Twitter, Federer added: "I had to take the tough decision this morning to pull out of the Italian Open as I am not feeling 100 per cent physically.
"The fan reaction and crowd energy during my matches yesterday remind me exactly why I am still competing on the ATP Tour."
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Italian Open chiefs said: “Unfortunately, King Roger had to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury.
"We wish him a fast recovery. Thank you for the incredible emotions.”
Naomi Osaka, the women’s world No1 player, withdrew from the event with a right hand injury.
