Twitter erupts as Roger Federer pulls out of the French Open

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

https://twitter.com/TevonKingJourno/status/864196913234620416

https://twitter.com/fedele_giulio/status/864188665282654208