Federer takes a break ahead of Wimbledon
Roger Federer is sitting out the event in Halle
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Monday, 11, Jun 2007 01:19
Roger Federer has opted to take a break after his French Open exploits and withdraw from his usual Wimbledon warm-up.
The Swiss world number one yesterday lost out in four sets to the Roland Garros final to his nemesis on clay, Rafael Nadal, and is now looking for some time to recharge his batteries.
He has therefore decided not to take part in this week's Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, which he traditionally uses to hone his grasscourt skills.
"In an attempt to prevent injury after the long final in Paris, I cannot defend my title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle," he said on his website.
"Gerry and Ralf Weber have always been so hospitable over the years and I love playing there. I look forward to returning in 2008."
Federer has won the event for the last four years and his absence throws the field wide open.
Russia's Nikolay Davydenko, American James Blake and France's Richard Gasquet will now fancy their chances of getting their grasscourt seasons off to a winning start.
Federer is not scheduled to take part in any other tournaments until Wimbledon begins on June 25th.