Roger Federer withdraws from the Dubai ATP tournament

In what comes as a major heartbreak for the Tennis fans, Swiz superstar, Roger Federer has pulled out of the next week’s Dubai ATP tournament. Federer claimed that it is best for him to go back to training after a disappointing outing in the Qatar Open. Federer returned to the Tennis court after a gap of 13 months but his campaign was cut short by the 42 ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, who defeated him 3-6, 6-1, 7-5.

"It's been great to be back on the @atptour, loved every minute playing in Doha once again," tweeted the 20-time Grand Slam title winner.

"A big thank you to the best and loyal team that helped me get here. I've decided it's best to go back to training and as a result, I've decided to withdraw from Dubai next week."

 

Federer underwent a knee surgery last year and it was his first tournament post his semi final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020. Federer defeated Britan’s Dan Evans in his first match in the Qatar Open. 

Federer will also skip the opening Masters event of the season in Miami later this month. Earlier, Federer's long term rival, Rafel Nadal also revealed that he was offered a wild card entry in the Dubai event which he turned down as he is still recovering from the back injury.