Roger Federer took to Twitter to announce his withdrawal from the ongoing 2021 French Open

The third round match against Dominik Koepfer lasted close to 4 hours, which Federer eventually won 7-6, 6-7, 7-6,7-5. He was set to take on World No.9 Matteo Berrettini in the 4th round, on the 7th of June.

Just when things were looking fine for King Roger, he’s had to withdraw from the French Open.

pic.twitter.com/70C8RYr69J

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) June 6, 2021

The Swiss Maestro had been struggling with injuries right from the beginning of 2020. Following the conclusion of 2020 Australian Open, he underwent a couple of knee surgeries that sidelined him for the entire 2020 season.

He then made a comeback earlier this year at the Qatar Open. Having still not fully recovered, he decided to take some time off to prepare for the Grand Slams.

He successfully made it to Roland Garros 2021, and was already into the fourth round of the competition.

In an unexpected turn of events, Federer came up with a statement on Twitter divulging that he would be pulling out of the French Open, since he didn’t want to push himself too much. Fed also revealed that he was thrilled to have gotten “3 matches under his belt.”

A part of his statement read:

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of the French Open today. After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery. I am thrilled to have gotten 3 matches under my belt.”

Twitter reacts to Roger Federer’s announcement

Several fans stood by Federer’s decision to pull out from the fight, extending their support and wishing him well to comeback soon.

https://twitter.com/dgarciar10/status/1401547465401139205

I’ll shed a few tears at the news but you know what’s best for you and that’s to rest up and move on to grass. I really hope to see you at Wimbledon – go to Halle and go for #11. You played with so much heart last night and the rest of the week. You’re back xx

— Margie Morgan (@TeamFedIreland) June 6, 2021

The right call. I love how Roger is so realistic, understanding that 3 matches this week is already an achievement. He played VERY well too! He knows he is not going to win RG and is preparing for future events by protecting his health and return to the game.

— RFan (@RFislife) June 6, 2021

Roger, that’s an important and good decision. Your body your health should always be the top priority. Hope that you get to well rest and recover after this grueling match last night. Can’t wait to see you back on 🌱! Keep well and keep safe 😘 #loveyoutons #AlwaysSupportYou

— Scarlett (@Scarlett_Li) June 6, 2021

We fully understand you Roger…there's no point in undoing all the hardwork & pain that made possible for you to compete again on tour.

And like you said we can't wait to see you on grass when your actual 2021 season starts. Good luck🐐👑😘

— Parul (@parul108) June 6, 2021

You leave unbeaten. It is fair to consider that you’ve won 2021’s @rolandgarros 🤣💪🏼💪🏼

Keep on training! High hopes for @Wimbledon ✨✨

— Oier Fano Dadebat (@oierfano) June 6, 2021

Was great to see you Roger!!!! Can’t wait to see you for the grass season and more 😍

— ViVi B (@ViVi_RFObsessed) June 6, 2021

However, there were a lot of fans who were not happy with the tennis great’s decision to pull out. A majority of them were irate because Federer had taken someone else’s place in the tournament, only to pull out after a while.

Boo hiss. No sympathy. You should never have entered just to quit

— Tennis Puneet 🎾 📚 (@TennisPuneet) June 6, 2021

Disrespectful to the tournament you shouldn’t enter if you know that you might not see it to the end.

— Daniel Jackson (@DB_Jackson1606) June 6, 2021

https://twitter.com/smithy55222/status/1401550667957817352

https://twitter.com/djokertennis/status/1401549894851104770

https://twitter.com/ivxnxr/status/1401556742278942720

I'm disappointed Roger you shouldn't have participated at all not the way to treat your fans and tournament who have given you so much, U shouldn't have participated simple as that

— Mohammad Tanveer (@cr7federet) June 6, 2021

Thinking of Wimbledon and here it is someone who can't even play four matches on a trot. Buzz off

— Nyctophile (@originalvicky) June 6, 2021

With all things said and done, we hope Federer makes a quick recovery and turns up strong at his beloved Wimbledon.

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