World number four Roger Federer has confirmed he will not take part in the French Open later this month as he looks to focus on the grass and hard-court seasons.
The 35-year-old kept his cards very close to his chest until Monday when he finally confirmed he will not be taking up an entry at Roland Garros this year.
Federer, who is priced at 4.20 to win Wimbledon, has enjoyed his tennis since the start of 2017 after kicking off with victory at the Australian Open, he then went on to lift titles at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
However, the Swiss recently took some time off as the clay-court season got underway last month to ensure he doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion insists he has no thoughts of retiring from the sport and instead is taking a prolonged break to help extend his career on the ATP Tour.
Federer said: “I need to recognise that scheduling will be the key to my longevity.
Thus, my team and I concluded 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.”
The world number four will now turn his attention towards the grass-court season, which starts next month in the build-up to his favoured event, Wimbledon, which he has won seven times.
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