For the second time, Roger Federer has decided not to play in Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 and Japan Open, citing fatigue. His first withdrawal was back in 2007.
The top-ranking tennis star opted to pull out from the Japan Open, which will be held from October 5 until 11, and Shanghai Masters, which will be held the following week.
His decision was made after consultations with doctors and his team. He wanted to rehabilitate his body and regain his physical strength after playing very challenging and sometimes emotionally charging tennis matches for one wole year.
This year, Federer has competed in all Grand Slam finals—four of them—and winning most of them. He had just beaten the record held by Pete Sampras after winning his fifteenth Wimbledon title. He was also able to grab his first-ever French Open title, as well as helped his team, Switzerland, in getting two points for the World Group of the Davis Cup playoffs.
Federer, though, had one of the most upsetting losses against Juan Martin del Potro in the U.S. Open. In fact, his misconduct against an umpire in the court forced the tennis association to fine him $1,500.
Nevertheless, tennis fans still have a lot of reason to watch Japan Open as Andy Murray and del Potro will compete.