Well he did warn us after his third round win but Roger Federer has officially pulled out of the French Open and it’s come with a little bit of backlash.
Now of course as we know it’s hard not to love the man.
“And thank you for not falling asleep everybody, I appreciate it”
FEDERER SAID WITH A SMILE AND LAUGH AFTER HIS ROUND 3 WIN.
But The 39-year old, who turns 40 in August this year, finished that that four-set win in front of basically no one, given it was just before 1 am local time.
French fans haven’t seen Federer play since 2015 and they may never see him again.
Earlier in the tournament the 20-time Grand Slam winner did warn us that he was prioritising playing Wimbledon in a few weeks after two recent knee surgeries.
“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery.”
AN EVENTFUL TOURNAMENT FOR WRONG REASONS
Tournament organisers have had a rough time after they were criticised for their handling of the Naomi Osaka media conference drama. Critics say should have had a softer touch.
Tournament director Guy Forget was understandably, and not surprisingly, supportive of Federer heading home. But not everyone was.
Tennis legend John McEnroe is never short of an opinion and he wasn’t happy. The seven-time Grand Slam winner suggested Federer should have retired in round three and allowed his opponent (Dominik Koepfer) to win.
#BREAKING Roger Federer withdraws from French Open – organisers pic.twitter.com/ypAP8R7BPj
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 6, 2021
Former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee agreed tweeting out:
“You’re not at a candy store, able to pick and choose which matches you play.”
Now if you’re a tennis tragic you may want to look away now.
It’s not a question many want to contemplate, but as every day passes: Will Federer ever play another French Open and will this be his last year all-together?
The countdown is on to what will arguably be the biggest moment in tennis history.
