The eight-time Doha champion recently claimed victory against Dan Evans in his comeback match but lost to Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in the next round. In addition, World No. 6 Roger Federer has declared his withdrawal from next week’s ATP 500 event in Dubai.
“I’ve decided it’s best to go back to training and as a result, I’ve decided to withdraw from Dubai next week,” said the Swiss Maestro after his defeat in the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open.
Further, the 20 time Grand Slam champion expressed, it feels great to be back on the ATP Tour, and that he loved every minute of playing in Doha.
It’s been great to be back on the @atptour , 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. 🏋🏽 pic.twitter.com/zp65Jt832n— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 11, 2021
Roger Federer’s loss caused him to withdraw from ATP 500 event in Dubai
The trauma by the loss at the tournament forced the former World No. 1 to bid goodbye to Dubai. According to Federer, it’s time for him to focus on his training more than playing in competitive matches. In his tweet, he also praised his team and felt fortunate enough to have them. It was because of his team’s dedicated effort that King Federer has come back so well.
After waiting for so long to witness the champion’s comeback, it is disappointing to watch him return. The followers of tennis were heartbroken to acknowledge the harsh truth that they won’t get to see more of the Mighty Federer.
Roger Federer’s primary aim is to get prepared for Wimbledon
Federer disclosed his major goal was to get 100% ready for the upcoming Wimbledon. He had two knee surgeries last season, which seems to still cause him trouble. His winning streak already includes 20 Wimbledon, and he is aiming to add more to the list.
The undertone of his withdrawal is that he might get better prior to Wimbledon, and that will be a bonus for him. Adding to that, he needs to look after his body and how much workload it can take. And then to discover the best way to prepare for the grass-court season.
Despite the loss, Swiss found positivity and is happy to play back-to-back three-set matches against top players. Moreover, some hints were also dropped by Rog that he would likely be at Roland Garros. But also stated that he had taken no decision on tournaments before Wimbledon or the Tokyo Olympics.
Federer’s need to play the Clay Courts
He mentioned his need to play the clay courts as it comes before the grass-court and there is no other option. Further, he accepted it can either be good for him or a bad one, but for now, if he wishes to play then the clay courts are the only option. And he does not think it is going to be poor.
“What comes before the grass courts are the clay courts. So from that standpoint, I have no choice but to play on clay if I want to play matches,
“It could be good for me, the clay. It could be bad for me, the clay. So I will only know in practice, but I don’t think it’s going to be bad, to be honest,” said the former World No. One.
