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Roger Federer announced on his website that he won’t be taking part in next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships and next month’s Davis Cup first round tie against United States to rehabilitate his back problem that’s been plaguing him since last year.
In October last year, Federer said that he will take part in the Davis Cup event with his good friend and compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka.
The current world number 2 has not yet competed in tournaments after the Australian Open, where he lost to world number one Rafael Nadal in five thrilling sets. The win would have increased Federer’s Grand Slam haul to 14 and would have tied with Pete Sampras’ record.
Nadal may possibly skip the Dubai tournament due to a right leg injury he incurred in last week’s tournament in Netherlands.
Federer issued this statement:
OFF COURT – DUBAI AND DAVIS CUP
Dear Fans,
Today I am disappointed to announce that I am withdrawing from both Dubai and the Davis Cup tie in the United States. This was a hard decision to make as I am missing not only one of my favorite events on tour in Dubai but I am also missing out on an opportunity to help my country try and move on to the next round of Davis Cup. After injuring my back last fall, I did not have enough time to strengthen it completely. As a precautionary measure, I will use the next few weeks to make sure the back injury is fully rehabilitated and I am ready for the rest of the 2009 season.
As always, thanks for your continued support.
Roger
