Federer Saving Himself For Wimbledon
Locker Room
May 20, 2016
Roger Federer has indicated that he is saving himself for Wimbledon by pulling out of Roland Garros.
His decision to miss the French Open – the first Grand Slam this century that Federer hasn’t played – seems to say as much about his love for Wimbledon as anything else.
GRASS COURT SEASON
Federer explained the thinking behind his decision in no uncertain terms: ‘My plan is to achieve the highest level of fitness before returning to the ATP World Tour for the upcoming grass court season.’
And the great showpiece event of the grass court season is of course Wimbledon, the tournament Federer so adores and has won no fewer than seven times.
The popular Swiss clearly feels that by sacrificing Paris, he gives himself the chance to try for an extraordinary eighth Wimbledon singles title – his best opportunity of adding to his amazing seventeen Grand Slam titles.
He added:’This decision was not easy to make, but I took it to ensure I could play the remainder of the season and help to extend the rest of my career.’
Judging by Federer’s own assessment of his progress, it would appear that the French Open’s loss will be Wimbledon’s gain.
‘I have been making steady progress with my fitness but I am still not 100% and I feel I might be taking an unnecessary risk by playing in this event [Roland Garros] before I am really ready.’
By protecting his improving fitness for a few more weeks, Federer should be raring to go by the time Wimbledon starts on June 27.
That is clearly the plan. So, although this week’s decision is sad for his France-based fans, they should still be able to see their hero by travelling over to London to join the rest of the tennis-loving public at the All England Club at the end of next month.
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