French Open finalist Roger Federer has decided to withdraw from the Gerry Weber Open in Halle in order to preserve his fitness for Wimbledon
The world number three revealed his groin felt sore in the aftermath of his final defeat to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros on Sunday.
As a result, the 16-time grand slam champion has chosen to rest up ahead of Wimbledon which he described on Monday as his 'top priority' for the season.
"I am very disappointed as it's one of my absolute favourite tournaments on the ATP Tour, but my body, especially my groin, really needs a rest," he told his personal website.
"After talking with my team this morning, I feel it's way too risky to take a chance on aggravating it even more before Wimbledon."
Federer, who had been due to face Australian former world number one Lleyton Hewitt in the first round, is a five-time champion at the Halle event, a traditional warm-up for Wimbledon.
However, the world number three's decision to pull out has left tournament director Ralf Weber far from happy.
"Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing," he told www.gerryweber-open.de. "And he never gave us any doubts that he had health problems.
"I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management."
Federer will be going for his seventh Wimbledon crown when action begins at the All England Club on June 20.
Federer opts out of Halle
Federer opts out of Halle
Federer opts out of Halle
Federer opts out of Halle
Federer opts out of Halle
As a result, the 16-time grand slam champion has chosen to rest up ahead of Wimbledon which he described on Monday as his 'top priority' for the season.
"I am very disappointed as it's one of my absolute favourite tournaments on the ATP Tour, but my body, especially my groin, really needs a rest," he told his personal website.
"After talking with my team this morning, I feel it's way too risky to take a chance on aggravating it even more before Wimbledon."
Federer, who had been due to face Australian former world number one Lleyton Hewitt in the first round, is a five-time champion at the Halle event, a traditional warm-up for Wimbledon.
However, the world number three's decision to pull out has left tournament director Ralf Weber far from happy.
"Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing," he told www.gerryweber-open.de. "And he never gave us any doubts that he had health problems.
"I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management."
Federer will be going for his seventh Wimbledon crown when action begins at the All England Club on June 20.
