French Open: Roger Federer cancels Roland Garros before round of 16

“After two knee surgeries and more than a year of rehab, it’s important to listen to my body and make sure I don’t overwork myself too quickly on my way to recovery,” Federer continued.

The Paris tournament organizers expressed their regret at the decision. “We are sorry to hear that Roger Federer, who had a great fight yesterday, is leaving. We were all delighted to see Roger play again in Paris, where he has played three first-class matches. We wish him all the best for him this season.”

Previously, the 39-year-old defeated Denis Istomin and Marin Cilic.

Due to Federer’s withdrawal from the classic clay court, Italian Matteo Berrettini, the ninth-placed, reached the quarter-finals without a fight.

Federer inspires fans and experts

Sportingly, Federer was convinced in the first three rounds after failing to start the preparatory tournament in Geneva against Pablo Andegar.

But in Paris, the Swiss started with a clean sparkling performance against Istomin, and also survived some tough moments against Cilic in the second round of four-set success.

Federer’s first doubts after his victory over Kupfer

In the victory over Kupfer, Federer had to pass more than three hours and 35 minutes.

He does not know if he will play the last 16. Federer said: “Is it dangerous to put too much pressure on the knee? Is it a good time to take a break?”

For the exceptional player, the French Open was his first major tournament since the 2020 Australian Open. As a result, he underwent two knee injuries and had to contend with an arduous reconstruction. Federer had indicated that the claycourt season was more prepared for Wimbledon.

Rittner: Federer across the border

“I was a bit expecting Federer to walk away. If you look at the match against Kupfer in this way, Federer looked tired and broken,” he explained. Eurosport expert Barbara Rittner. “I felt like I crossed a line.”

Federer clearly saw it the same way – and reacted accordingly.