Bad bad news for the Italian fans as Roger Federer followed Naomi Osaka on retiring from the Internazionali d’Italia.
Why Federer had to withdraw
The Swiss sensation played definitely too much on Thursday after he beat Joao Sousa 6-4 6-3 and Borna Coric 2-6 6-4 7-6 (7) after he saved 2 match points. The problem is that Federer played almost 4 hours in heavy conditions so it was “normal” that he could get hurt. Eventually, he pulled out for right leg injury.
The message
Roger released the following message to the fans
“I had to take the tough decision this morning to pull out of the Italian Open as I am not feeling 100% physically. The fan reaction and crowd energy during my matches yesterday remind me exactly why I am still competing on the ATP Tour. Mazie Grille! A presto” (spelling mistake)
I had to take the tough decision this morning to pull out of the Italian Open as I am not feeling 100% physically. The fan reaction and crowd energy during my matches yesterday remind me exactly why I am still competing on the ATP Tour. Mazie Grille! 🙃
A presto!👏🇮🇹💯🙌 #Roma— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 17, 2019
Was Federer right to withdraw?
Probably yes. Roger has always stated that he is chasing titles in this moment of his career. It would have been highly improbable for him to win Rome especially after playing 4 hours and by being not at his 100%. In addition, he had to probably face still Tsitsipas, Nadal and Djokovic.
So it was better to rest, recover from the injury and get ready for the French Open.
🤨😬😄 pic.twitter.com/g1n5EuXA0a
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 16, 2019
