Swiss marvel and tennis icon Roger Federer has opted to pull out of the ongoing edition of the French Open on Sunday. One of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Federer was eyeing an eventful return to competitive tennis after a career-threatening knee injury. Federer underwent two knee surgeries in 2020 before making his return to Grand Slam tennis with the ongoing edition of the French Open. 

The 20-time Grand Slam champion entered the business end of the French Open 2021 after defeating Dominik Koepfer in a four-set thriller. After the match, Federer had hinted that he is contemplating withdrawing from the French Open. On Sunday, Federer confirmed that he has pulled out of the Roland-Garros tournament in Paris. 

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” the 39-year-old was quoted as saying. “After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery,” the 2009 French Open champion added.  

The Swiss marvel had outclassed 59th-ranked Koepfer 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 to enter the last 16 of the French Open. Federer had earlier said that the prestigious Wimbledon championship is his priority in the 2021 season. The 2021 edition of the French Open was Federer’s only third competitive tennis tournament since the Australian Open 2020. Federer will be gunning for his ninth Wimbledon title when the elite tournament starts on June 28.

Federer had made his French Open debut in the 1999 edition of the prestigious tournament. The 39-year-old had lifted the famous trophy in 2009. “The Roland Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night,” tournament director Guy Forget was quoted as saying.