Roger Federer set the record straight yesterday regarding his French Open pullout, with the recovered Swiss now totally committed to the start of his summer grass season this week at the Mercedes Cup.
The world number three was the main attraction on an opening day highlighting just two first-round matches while qualifying rounds were being concluded.
Federer withdrew with back pain on May 20 before the start at Roland Garros and managed to miss an event plagued by rain, cold and a definite lack of show-stopping star power once Rafael Nadal had to pull out in in the first week with a wrist injury.
Federer said his decision was taken to protect his health and deal with the physical problem which had kept him from much of the clay season.
“I was surprised to hear that some thought I pulled out because of the weather,” Federer said as he prepared for an opening practise on the grass of the Weissenhof Club. “That had nothing to do with it. Either you are strong enough (to play) or you are not. I knew I made the right decision.”
The father of four said that his strategy was to get his back pain under control in time for the grass of Stuttgart, where he is top seed ahead of Marin Cilic and fast-rising Austrian world number seven Dominic Thiem.
“After all these years, it’s okay to miss a major. It’s not all about them anyway: it’s about health, it’s about feeling good about the rest of the season, my career and my life as well. So many things go through your mind in a decision like that.
“I was a little bit sad when it came out in the press and people heard I was not playing.
“I was sad for that evening but the next day I was back at work training. We had a plan with the team, and I was already feeling better again. I enjoyed a few weeks with the family and working hard,” the Swiss maestro added.
The Swiss, who won the French Open in 2009, praised the trophy effort of Novak Djokovic in his finals win over Andy Murray. The victory gives Djokovic simultaneous possession of all four Grand Slam singles titles—only the third man in history to achieve the feat.
“It’s great for tennis, it’s great, now he has won all of the Grand Slams. It’s world-class, which is rare. He did it the hard way, it was wonderful how it worked out,” Federer said.
Federer is back in Stuttgart for the first time since 2001 when he played in the former Masters tournament indoors. “It’s the grass-court season now, and that’s huge for me,” the seven-time Wimbledon champion said.
“Playing tennis on grass is wonderful, I’ve had so much success in front of German crowds in Hamburg (four titles when it was a Masters) and Halle (eight). This is my first time at this different site and I’m excited.
“When I step onto the grass I really feel I have my chances. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I see the courts are in great condition, that is clearly good for the body and makes for a good start to the grass season.”