Swiss ace Federer pulls out of halle tournament to stay fit for Wimbledon
Swiss ace Federer pulls out of halle tournament to stay fit for Wimbledon
French Open finalist Roger Federer has pulled out of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle to preserve his fitness for Wimbledon.
The World No 3 said his groin was sore after his exertions at Roland Garros, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final.
Federer told his website: "I'm very disappointed as it's one of my absolute favourite tournaments on the ATP Tour, but my body, especially my groin, really needs a rest.
"After talking with my team this morning, I feel it's way too risky to take a chance on aggravating it even more before Wimbledon."
Federer, who had been due to face Australian former World No 1 Lleyton Hewitt in the first round, is a five-time champion at the Halle event, a traditional warm-up for Wimbledon.
Federer will be going for his seventh Wimbledon crown when action begins at the All England Club on June 20.
Halle director's fury
Federer's late withdrawal has angered the tournament director Ralph Weber, who insists the Swiss let him down at the eleventh hour.
Federer has a permanent contract to play at the west German event.
Weber is furious the Swiss had not informed him of the groin problem sooner.
"For me this is a personal disappointment that I cannot describe at the moment. I'm stunned," said Weber.
"Our plans for the past year have been nearly exclusively with Roger appearing.
"And he never gave us any indication that he had health problems. I clearly expressed my disappointment to his management.
"We expect that this lifetime contract will be fulfilled in person ufffd and not just a declaration of intent."
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