We don’t need Roger Federer, says French Open tournament director

French Open

French Open tournament director Guy Forget says the French Open does not need the absent Roger Federer.

Federer is skipping the clay court season and missing his third successive Roland Garros to preserve his energies for grass season.

Forget, though, insists the only people he’s really punishing are his fans.

“On a media level, obviously, a Nadal-Federer final would still create a buzz in Paris,” he said.

“The grounds are packed. The product works without Federer.

“On an audience level, his absence hasn’t changed anything.

“From a financial point of view, you sign long-time contracts, including TV rights.

“So I want to say that Federer’s absence hasn’t impacted the French Open.

“The only real impact is on his fans and the disappointment that his withdrawal brings out.”

ATP Tour French Open Roger Federer

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