Guy Forget, the tournament director, did not fall from his chair when he learned of Roger Federer's package.
That was to be expected.
After his 3:35 fight against the German Koepfer until 00:43 on the night of Saturday to Sunday, the Swiss had already left doubt about his presence on the court against Berrettini on Tuesday in the round of 16.
"The question is:
why take a risk that I do not have to take," he slipped after his victory.
I must remember it to myself: why am I here?
What is the objective of the season?
This is not the title at Roland Garros.
I'm going to have to decide if I keep playing or not, if it's not too risky to keep pushing on the machine, or if it's not the perfect way to get some rest.
"
Roland-Garros management informs that Roger Federer forfeits the round of 16 of the tournament. # RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/flCDZ5dQzU
- Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2021
The press release therefore fell on Sunday afternoon around 4:20 p.m. “After talking to my team, I decided that I had to withdraw from the Roland-Garros tournament today. After two knee operations and over a year of rehabilitation, it is important that I listen to my body and that I do not go too fast in the return to competition, wrote the legend. I am delighted to have won three games. There is no better feeling than being back on the pitch. "
After more than a year of eclipse, two knee operations, a return from Earth on tiptoe to Geneva (entry defeat against Andujar) and soon forty candles on the cake, the former world No. 8 does not not necessarily expected to meet in the second week in Paris. And unlike Nadal and Djokovic, who chase the Musketeers Cup, Federer has only one goal: to be ready for his favorite Wimbledon tournament, which begins on June 28. The first lawn mowing is planned in Halle from the 14th. Suffice to say that in the logic of the Balois, to attack the strong Italian with a damaged physique did not make any sense. Especially since he had already fully reassured himself of his abilities.
“The Roland-Garros tournament is sorry for the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who delivered a magnificent fight last night, blows Forget. We were all delighted with his return to Paris where he played three high-level matches. We wish him the best for the rest of the season. "
