Tired Federer pulls out
Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00
Roger Federer pulled out of next month's Japan Open and Shanghai
ATP Masters 1000, the Japan Tennis Association said on Friday.
The top-ranked Federer told organizers he was withdrawing from
the Oct. 5-11 Japan Open to rest after a physically challenging
year.
"After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take
the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments," Federer
said in a statement. "This will allow me a chance to give my body a
chance to rest, rehabilitate and recover from a physically
challenging year."
The Shanghai tournament is scheduled for Oct. 12-18.
It is the second time Federer has pulled out of the Japan Open
just before the start of the tournament. He also cited fatigue as
his reason for withdrawing from the 2007 event.
"I'm disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and
Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities," Federer said. "The
fans have been great to me over the years."
U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray are
scheduled to take part in the $1.3 million Japan Open.