Roger Federer Explains His Decision to Skip French Open

For the second year in a row, Roger Federer will be skipping the French Open and with it the entire clay court season, thus allowing Rafael Nadal to continue his dominance over clay. There have been many criticisms against Federer for doing the same. Nadal spoke of how he would never skip tournaments on purpose. A few weeks ago, Ion Tiriac said that Federer had lack of respect towards the clay court season, skipping it intentionally.

Now Roger Federer has finally opened up on the scenario, being very open of the fact that he loves grass more than clay and hence will be opting out of the French Open.

I am not 25 any more I need to reserve some energy for Wimbledon. I love the grass more than the clay court, so that is why I won’t take part this year’, he said

He defended his stand on his recent trip to Zambia where his charity, Roger Federer Foundation is exceedingly active. He also spoke of the importance of Tennis in a country like Zambia and what needs to be done to improve the scenario.

‘My dream is one day see a great tennis player come from here (Zambia) one that will go on to win a Major.’ he said

But we need a lot of work to reach that goal. Getting more tennis courts, balls, Rackets and have great coaches as well.’

Meanwhile his arch rival, Rafael Nadal is taking full advantage of his absence having already won the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open without much competition.

Federer will be next seen in the Halle Open and the Wimbledon, both of the tournaments he’d have to win to stay in the fight for World Number 1 with Nadal. He won both the tournaments last year and has substantial points to defend.