Roger Federer dropped a bomb on the tennis world by posting on social media that he won’t be participating in the French Open. Federer had taken a break from the entire clay court season, but everyone (including Federer) was optimistic about Federer’s chances of playing Roland Garros.
While Fed fans would be distort after hearing the news, it seems as if Roger has taken this call after seeing Nadal’s domination on clay this season, and how it would take a monumental effort to uproot the king of clay in Paris. At this stage of his career, Federer can participate only in tournaments that feels he has a shot at. In his letter to the fans, Federer made it very clear that this decision was taken keeping the longevity of his career in mind.
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Federer made a fairytale comeback to the tour, beating Rafa Nadal in a ‘final for the ages’ at the Australian Open, scripting what was possibly the most romantic moment in sport in the past few years. The fortnight in Australia seemed like a dream, maybe even a fluke, a tryst with destiny, but something unreal for sure. It had to be a bubble, didn’t it? How could Federer rise up to the top so quickly?
But he didn’t stop there. He conquered the Sunshine Double to complete what was possibly the greatest comeback of all time in the sport(or maybe even across sports). But what was the best part of the comeback? He didn’t over do it, he knew where to stop, and he did so by pulling out of the entire clay court season, but vowing to come back for the French Open.
On the face of it this seems like a good decision, as Federer isn’t worried about the number one ranking anymore, but wants to get more of those grand slams under his belt. He is focussing on his strengths, an attribute of someone who knows what he is doing.
This is how the world reacted to this shock news:
Unfortunately, I won't be playing @rolandgarros this year. I'll miss my fans in France, but appreciate your support https://t.co/vRcb4SvQga
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 15, 2017
So today, two weeks before French Open begins, we already know we won't have a calendar Slam in 2017. Aussie champs Federer+Serena both out.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) May 15, 2017
Roger Federer just withdrew from the French Open
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) May 15, 2017
#RG17 will feel empty for the second consecutive year as Federer is missing. Hopefully Rafa is back strong to compete against Djoko & Murray
— MAX TENNIS WORLD (@max_tennisworld) May 15, 2017
Not even mad at Federer not playing at French Open. The man is old and knows his strength & weaknesses. He must do him.
— Phiwomhle (@__Pchs) May 15, 2017
A slight blow for the French Open with Federer's withdrawal for the second successive year but it isn't a massive shock #FrenchOpen
— Tevon King (@TevonKingSport) May 15, 2017
Since I like math, a simple equation:
Federer's withdrawal + Serena's pregnancy = WC to Maria Sharapova
(like Madrid and Rome)— Giulio Fedele (@fedele_giulio) May 15, 2017
It was so obvious Federer was going to skip RG and i doubt if he'll ever play there again before he retires
— Oluwajoba (@olumcjobson) May 15, 2017
More reactions on the next page:
Federer skipping the French Open to try and win Wimbledon again. I like it.
— Sarah Mac (@SarahPMacD) May 15, 2017
Federer clearly doesn't trust the dirt anymore.
— SamPascoe (@Pascoe20) May 15, 2017
"..and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year" – Roger Federer
This line is mentioned. Good News!! #federer #RolandGarros
— Sourabh Suman (@Imsourabhsuman) May 15, 2017
Since I like math, a simple equation:
Federer's withdrawal + Serena's pregnancy = WC to Maria Sharapova
(like Madrid and Rome)— Giulio Fedele (@fedele_giulio) May 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/gmks1010/status/864196783844409344
Saw Roger Federer trending and I had to cross my fingres before I investigated why. Thank God it's just him withdrawing from RG2017
— D. Browne-Liburd (@Dixbro) May 15, 2017
I hear Federer has pulled out.
Not surprised. Two sets of twins will do that to a man.
— Niall Hawthorne (@NiallHawthorne) May 15, 2017
Roger Federer has withdrawn from the French Open.
Even though Nadal has a 5-0 record against him at a Roland Garros, boosts his chances.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) May 15, 2017
