Andy Murray defends Roger Federer’s ‘sensible decision’ to withdraw from French Open to aid recovery

Andy Murray has jumped to Roger Federer’s defence following the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s decision to pull out of the French Open, saying “it makes sense”.
World No 8 Federer was due to face Matteo Berrettini in the last 16 at Roland Garros, but he withdrew from the tournament on Sunday on the back of his hard-fought third-round win over Dominik Koepfer.
‘It’s important that I listen to my body,’ says Roger Federer as he confirms French Open withdrawal
The 39-year-old was playing only his sixth ATP Tour match in 17 months after undergoing two knee operations in 2020.
Murray expressed his admiration for Federer during his three-hour 35 minute clash against Koepfer on Saturday, saying how “inspirational” the great was.
On the back of Federer’s withdrawal announcement, one fan replied that “there is something distasteful about “using” the French Open to get fit. Seems disrespectful to other players in the draw.”
However, Murray backed the Swiss icon’s decision to look after his body following such a long time away from the game.
Id argue that it’s quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches etc. Sensible decision from him
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 6, 2021
“In Basketball, football etc when returning from injury players are given reduced minutes to build up their fitness. In tennis you don’t have that luxury of just playing a set in first match then 2 sets the next etc and building up that way,” the three-time Grand Slam winner wrote.
“Id argue that it’s quite risky to play multiple 4hr matches in a row in your 2nd tournaments back in 18 months so to me it makes sense to be reactive based on how your body feels, length of matches etc. Sensible decision from him.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
John McEnroe and Sue Barker under fire after sending ‘love’ to Boris Becker during Wimbledon coverage
John McEnroe and Sue Barker’s comments have not gone down well.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray explains why underarm serve is ‘tactically smart play’ as he insists it is not disrespectful
Andy Murray happy to use the underarm serve.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios confident ahead of Wimbledon opener: ‘I’ve made top-10 players look pretty ordinary this year’
Nick Kyrgios upbeat ahead of Wimbledon first-round match.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon TV, streaming info: How to watch Iga Swiatek, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams matches on Tuesday
Your day two Wimbledon TV, streaming and order of play guide.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day one: Andy Murray digs deep and Emma Raducanu thrills on Centre Court
Two brief suspensions due to rain failed to dampen spirits on day one at the All England Club.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray hoping for more matches on Centre Court after first round win
Wimbledon is willing on another Andy Murray run.
-
Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz admits he has to improve after first round struggle
Carlos Alcaraz claims he needs to find his level on grass.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic clearly rusty but still the Wimbledon favourite – Robson
Novak Djokovic looks at home on Centre Court.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu ‘happy to stay another day’ at Wimbledon as she eases past Alison Van Uytvanck
Emma Raducanu up and running at Wimbledon 2022.
-
News
Novak Djokovic claims Wimbledon win No 80 and declares that ‘the love and flame for tennis still burns for me’
The six-time champion battled past Kwon Soon-woo in four sets.