Italian Open: Roger Federer withdraws from Rome QF

Roger Federer withdrew from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia ahead of his quarter-final against eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday because of injury to his right leg.

Four-time runner-up at the Foro Italico in Rome, Federer, reached in the last eight by saving two match points in the third set tie-break of Thursday night’s win against Croatian Borna Coric.

He won by 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), advancing to the quarterfinal.

Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

Federer also made the announcement official by taking it to social media.

Federer wrote: “I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today. I am not 100 percent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play. Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit, and I hope to be back next year”.

It was going to be the first appearance of the 37-year-old in the Italian capital since 12 May 2016 because he skipped the 2017 and 2018 clay-court swings.

The next scheduled tournament for Federer to compete in is the season’s second Grand Slam event, Roland Garros, which starts Sunday 26 May.

Currently the world no. 3 on ATP ranking, Federer has not played at Roland Garros since 2015.

It’s been a disappointment for Federer fans but they are also concerned about his health and fitness.