20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer’s decision to skip the French Open for a second year in a row has disappointed everyone, claimed former World No. 1 Jim Courier.
Federer, who won a record equaling sixth Australian Open title in January before becoming the oldest No. 1 in tennis history the following month, opted to skip the entire European clay-court season after making a shock opening round exit from the Miami Masters.
Federer lost his top spot in the rankings after his friend and rival Rafael Nadal lifted the Rome Masters crown in May. The Swiss legend is expected to be back in action at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart the week following the French Open before beginning the defense of his Halle and Wimbledon crowns in subsequent weeks.
But Federer has been missed by both the fans and the players with current World No. 1 Rafael Nadal an overwhelming favourite to lift his 11th title at Roland Garros.
While announcing his decision to stay away from the French Open in 2018, Federer said he was skipping the tournament to give himself the best possible chance of performing at a high level during the grass-court season. However, Courier floated another theory regarding his decision. According to Courier, Federer may be carrying an injury.
“It’s disappointing for everyone that he is not here,” Courier told SRF Sport.
“I read an article written by his fitness trainer, Pierre Paganini, where he says that Roger has more problems with the knee on clay.
“I found it very interesting. My experience is that clay is softer on the body than any surface. But if Paganini says it, I obviously 100% believe him.
“In these conditions, it’s not worth to take too many risks before the grass-court season. Roger for me is the big favourite for another Wimbledon title.”
