Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has backed rival Roger Federer over his decision to pull out of the French Open on Sunday.
Federer confirmed in a statement that he would no longer be playing in the tournament in order to protect his body. The Swiss Maestro was only playing in his third tournament since returning from a knee injury and had previously stated that his goal is to be at full fitness in time for Wimbledon. Speculation over Federer’s withdrawal started shortly after his third round match on Saturday when he told reporters that he would be discussing with his team about if he will continue playing in the tournament.
The fact the former world No.1 spoke about quitting the tournament so soon after winning his third round match has prompted some criticism. Former US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe said ‘It’s just not a great look to pull out of a tournament in the middle.‘ Meanwhile, former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee wrote on Twitter ‘You’re not at a candy store, able to pick and choose which matches you play, as your actions affect others, and the tournament.”
Weighing in on the debate following his straight sets win over Christian Garin on Sunday, Medvedev played down its significance. Dismissing the suggestion the situation is unfair on Dominik Koepfer who was the player that lost to Federer in the third round.
“I think it’s a tough topic because it’s always a question where straight after the match he says he is probably going to retire. Then Koepfer is there, losing a tight match, maybe saying, ‘Well, I could have done better maybe after’” Medvedev commented.
“At the same time, tennis is brutal. If Koepfer wants it to be in the next round, sorry, he needed to beat Roger. It doesn’t matter if he retires after. That’s how tennis is, to be in the next round, you need to beat your opponent.”
Medvedev believes the precaution taken by his rival is the best thing to do given the circumstances. Federer underwent two surgeries on his knee last year and the French Open is the first time he had played three matches in a row since those procedures.
“Roger is 39. Maybe after the match he worked with his physio and he felt pain in his knee or something where he had the surgery. Then he knows that maybe he’s going on the next match, he’s going to hurt himself and not be able to play for some time,” he said.
“That’s what you also know with experience. That’s when younger players can make mistakes sometimes.’
“I don’t see why he (Federer) should be criticized. At the same time I understand people who do it. Me, I won’t criticize him.”
Medvedev will play Stefanos Tsitsipas in the French Open quarter-finals on Tuesday.
