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Sensible decision or disrespectful? Reactions to Roger Federer’s French Open withdrawal
Roger Federer withdrew from the French Open on Sunday a day after having reached the fourth round with a gruelling win, evidently opting to focus on his primary objective of doing well on the grass courts and not push his body to the limits on clay.
“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” the 39-year-old said after withdrawing from a tournament for just the fifth time in his career. It was the first time, however, he had taken such a drastic measure at a Grand Slam — which in itself is an incredible feat, given that he has played Major tournaments stretching into a fourth different decade now.
“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. I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt. There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 6, 2021
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam title winner, who will be 40 in two months’ time,…