Federer puts clay-court career on hold to prolong playing days

In what he described as a key to stay much longer in the game, star tennis player, Roger Federer has announced he will not be competing in this year’s French Open and will take a break from playing on clay.

The 18-time Grand Slam winner has won the tournament just once, but will focus entirely on grass and hardcourt competitions for the remainder of the year.

The 35-year old has already won three titles in 2017 including an epic Australian Open win at the start of the year, but the Swiss wants to prolong his playing days for as long as possible and confirmed the news on his website.

“Regrettably, I’ve decided not to participate in the French Open,” he 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 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.

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“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.

“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.”

Federer has finished runner-up in the French Open on four occasions with each time thanks to Rafael Nadal beating him to the trophy.

However, Federer will return to the game in June when the Hard and grass-court season begins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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