“Don’t Know If I’ll Play”: Roger Federer Considering Withdrawal After Lengthy Battle at French Open 2021

Roland Garros 2021 has already witnessed some major controversies, and things are only heating up. Seeded players pulling out because of injuries, a riveting case of Naomi Osaka, and Roger Federer losing his cool against a chair umpire, the French Open 2021 has seen it all. 

Roger Federer, specifically, has been the center of many conversations given his spirited comeback and a burden to perform in Rafa’s constituency. And with all the three superstars in the same leg of the tournament, things have gotten even spicier. But for Federer, the road ahead is tougher than his counterparts, and recent news of him dropping out has complicated matters further. 

Would Roger Federer withdraw from French Open 2021?

The 39-YO is playing the tournament after a year’s gap, and the event is not unfolding exactly as his team would’ve wanted. After that straight-set semifinal loss against Rafael Nadal in 2019, Federer made a brave decision to participate in the clay season.

As of now, he has defeated the likes of Marin Cilic to reach the fourth round of the tournament. However, the last two games going into four sets have taken some toll over King Federer. 

Especially, his game against German Dominik Koepfer saw him stretching his physical abilities to the limit. The legend played three grueling tie-breaks before finally deciding the match in 12 games in the fourth.

Neither of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have played even one tie-break, let alone dropping a set. This has put them at an advantage, with a better physical shape for next week. 

In the post-game interview, the 20-time Grand Slam Champion expressed his concern ahead of the second week. He detailed, “We go through these matches, we analyze them highly and look on what’s next and will do the same (…), because I need to decide if I keep on playing or not or is it not too much risk at this moment to keep on pushing or is this just a perfect way to just take a rest.”

Take a look at the entire thread – 

With such a major hint from Federer, the French Open officials would certainly be frustrated. But with the Grass season knocking on the door and Federer looking for his legacy-stretching 21st title, his decision hereon can be crucial. 

Do you see him withdrawing or would you rather say he will go the distance? Help us know in the comments.

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