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Agence France-Presse

Seventeen-time grand slam champion Roger Federer withdrew from the Madrid Masters on Monday citing a back injury.
However, the world No 3 remains hopeful that he will be fit to play in the Rome Masters next week as part of his preparation for the French Open later this month.
I’m very disappointed, to say the least. I was hoping to play. I changed my schedule around and practised well
Roger Federer
“There’s no feeling that I can practise, so at this point I don’t want to take more chances, as I know I wont be fully ready for Wednesday,” said Federer.
“I want to play it safe, rest up and get ready for Rome, that’s the schedule now.”
Federer had taken a late decision to play in Madrid after missing nearly three months of the season due to knee surgery.
“I’m very disappointed, to say the least. I was hoping to play. I changed my schedule around and practised well in Switzerland before coming here,” he added.
“It’s been a tough year, so I hope it gets better from here.”

However, he said he was reassured that it was a recurring back issue rather than further knee problems that had forced his latest withdrawal.
“This is normal back things I’ve had in the past, which I guess is good because I know how to handle it. I know how long it can take.
“Clearly it’s not a help. Nevertheless, I’ve been able to practise as much as I’ve wanted to. I came back on tour quicker than I thought I would, so in terms of schedule, I guess I still am still somewhat on par.”

The 34-year-old had initially planned to skip Madrid to reserve his energy for the three remaining grand slams and the Rio Olympics later in the year.
Federer admitted his lack of match practice during the clay-court season could affect his chances at the French Open, but is focused on being 100 per cent for his quest to land an eighth Wimbledon title and a first Olympic singles gold.
“The goal has always been that I’m at a 100 per cent when the French comes around. If not, then, at the latest, Wimbledon,” he continued.
“I probably can enter the French Open or clay-court season with maybe a little bit less expectations because you guys expect less from me.
“I’m not the overwhelming favourite in those events, and sometimes that can be helpful, too. I still put pressure on myself wanting to go far and deep and play well.
“Maybe something can happen at the French. If not, there is still a huge summer ahead.”



Back injury forces Roger Federer to pull out of Madrid Masters 

Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer is all smiles during a ceremony marking the inauguration of a street bearing his name on April 21, 2016 in Biel. Photo: AFP

TOPSHOT - A young fan receives back his giant ball signed by Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer (back) during a ceremony to unveil a street bearing his name on April 21, 2016 in Biel, western Switzerland. The street located next to the Swiss tennis center where Federer completed its tennis studies. / AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI

epa05283976 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer hits the ball during a training session for the Mutua Madrid Open at Caja Magica court in Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2016. The Mutua Madrid Open runs from 29 April to 08 May 2016. EPA/Chema Moya

epa05287076 Roger Federer of Switzerland attends a press conference at the Caja Magica court in Madrid, Spain, 02 May 2016. Federer announced that he can't play the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament because of a back injury. EPA/CHEMA MOYA

Fighting fit: Beaten Roger Federer bristles at suggestion he is too old to deal with Novak Djokovic 

Switzerland's Roger Federer looks on during a press conference after defeat in his men's singles semi-final match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic on day eleven of the 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2016. AFP PHOTO / PETER PARKS -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

REFILE - QUALITY REPEATSwitzerland's Roger Federer reacts during his semi-final match against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 28, 2016. REUTERS/Jason O'Brien Action Images via Reuters

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after victory in his men's singles semi-final match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on day eleven of the 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 28, 2016. AFP PHOTO / WILLIAM WEST-- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

Roger Federer said he was happy with his current level of play. Photo: AFP

Sport

Tennis

Although the world No 3 is disappointed, he remains hopeful he’ll be fit to play in the Rome Masters next week as part of his preparation for the French Open


Back injury forces Roger Federer to pull out of Madrid Masters

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Although the world No 3 is disappointed, he remains hopeful he’ll be fit to play in the Rome Masters next week as part of his preparation for the French Open

Although the world No 3 is disappointed, he remains hopeful he’ll be fit to play in the Rome Masters next week as part of his preparation for the French Open