Stefanos Tsitsipas into Italian Open semi-final after injured Roger Federer pulls out

ATP Tour
Roger Federer wiping his face

Roger Federer’s preparations for the French Open have taken a slight blow as he was forced to pull out of Italian Open due to injury.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner is playing on clay for the first time in three years and he accepted a late entry to play at Foro Italico this week.

He came through double duty on Thursday as he beat Joao Sousa in his first match and then saved two match points against Borna Coric to reach the quarter-finals.

The 37-year-old was due to take on eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-final, but the match was a no-go as he pulled out due to a right leg injury.

“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today,” Federer said.

“I am not 100 percent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.

“Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year.”

Greek Tsitsipas will take on either Fernando Verdasco or Rafael Nadal for a place in the final.

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