Roger Federer withdraws from Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

The 20-time Major champion Roger Federer will not seek the ninth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title next week, withdrawing after the Doha quarter-final loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Competing for the first time since January 2020, Federer defeated Daniel Evans in three tight sets in Doha before wasting a match point against Nikoloz Basilashvili, falling 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 to hit the exit door.

After the match, Roger decided to take some time off the official duels and remain on the practice court. Federer will play a couple of tournaments on clay, targeting grass as his main goal and hoping to shape his game and chase the Wimbledon trophy again.

"It's been great to be back on the @atptour; I loved every minute playing in Doha once again. 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," Roger Federer said.