Roger Federer withdraws from Dubai ATP tournament after Qatar Open exit

Roger Federer pulled out of next week’s Dubai ATP tournament on Thursday, claiming that it is “best to go back to training” as a comeback from the 13 months ended after two matches at the Qatar Open. The 39-year-old, world number 42 Nicoloza Basilashvili from the Doha event in Georgia captured the match point in the deciding set. The 20-time Grand Slam title winner tweeted, “It’s great to be back in @atptour, very much like playing in Doha once again.”

“Thanks to a wonderful and loyal team who helped me get here. I have decided that it is best to return to training and as a result, I have decided to return from Dubai next week.”

Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and was playing his first tournament since his semifinal loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020.

He needed three sets to see Britain’s Dan Evans in his first match in Qatar on Wednesday.

Federer has already stated that he will leave the inaugural schedule of the season to be held in Miami later this month.

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This would mean that the Swiss veteran would play again on the European clay court swing starting in April.

Earlier on Thursday, Federer’s longtime rival Rafael Nadal, also the holder of 20 majors, said he had turned down a wild card invitation to the Dubai event as he was recovering from a back injury.