Roger Federer Skipping the French Open is the Worst News I've Heard in Weeks
I'm just going to come right out and say it: I am a Roger Federer fan boy through and through. Roger is one of the reasons I started to play tennis when I was just 6 years-old. To see Roger make a roaring comeback in 2017 at the Australian Open, defeating longtime friend (or rival?) Rafael Nadal in a thrilling five set match, followed by fantastic wins over former doubles partner Stanislas Wawrinka in Indian Wells and Nadal again at the Miami Open, brought a tear to my eye as it reminded me of the Fed of the mid-2000's.
But then today happened.
Federer announced on his website just a couple hours ago that he would skip the clay court season, most importantly the French Open, to focus his training on the Wimbledon, and the fall hardcourt season.
Federer statement was the following:
Regrettably, I've decided not to participate in the French Open. I've been working really hard, both on and off the court, during the last month but in order to try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come, I feel it's best to skip the clay court season this year and prepare for the grass and hard court seasons. The start to the year has been magical for me but I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity moving forward. Thus, my team and I concluded today that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season. I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year.
Swiss Davis Cup coach and Federer's personal coach, Severin Luthi said in an interview Monday, "It was a tough decision to take, because he likes to play the French Open, likes to play the big tournaments,'' Luthi said. "But I think it was the best decision for him. It's an investment in his career, for this season, and for the coming seasons.''
Yes. I am devastated by this news. Roger has won the French the fewest of any of the four Grand Slams, only capturing the title in 2009, defeating Robin Söderling in straight sets. Nothing would've made me happier than seeing Roger lift his 19th Grand Slam title, and his second at Roland Garros, but to my despair, that won't happen in 2017.
However, as disappointed as I am with Roger's absence in Paris, his statement, and the statement from coach Luthi, gives me confidence that Roger will be back stronger, more focused, and well rested, when he comes back for grass court tournament in mid-June.
I am also a big fan of his dedication to stretching his career out as long as he can. Tennis shows no sympathy to a player's legs, arms, and mental fortitude. So, for Fed to be nearing the age of 36, and discussing the thought of extending his career as long as it's physically possible.
I would pay millions to continue to watch him play at the level he has for the past decade for another 20 to 30 years.
Thankfully, there is no lingering injury for Rog, and, after all, he'll be back playing in just over a month, so I guess I don't have that much reason to be sad.
Then again, who doesn't want to watch tennis like this?
