Roger Federer withdraws from Rome

The 20-time Major champion Roger Federer will not compete in Rome next month, already ruling himself out from the second most prestigious ATP tournament on clay.

The four-time beaten Rome finalist played in the Italian capital two years ago, returning to Foro Italico for the first time in three years and beating Joao Sousa and Borna Coric to reach the quarters.

Setting Stefanos Tsitsipas clash, Roger had to withdraw due to a right leg injury to propel the young Greek into the semi-final. It was Roger's first withdrawal since the ATP Finals title match versus Novak Djokovic in 2014, not risking anything ahead of Roland Garros, where he would reach the semis.

Struggling with a knee injury, Federer skipped almost the entire 2020 season, staying away from the court for 13 months before making a return in Doha last month. Experiencing two knee surgeries last year, Federer doesn't want to rush anything, thinking twice about every decision and remaining silent about the clay swing in May and June. As it seems, Roger could play Madrid and Roland Garros, but we have to wait for his final verdict.