Federer withdraws from Paris

World number three Roger Federer announced yesterday that he was withdrawing from this week’s Paris Masters in order to “pace” himself for the next year. “I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the Paris Masters,” he said in a statement.

“I have to pace myself since I want to play as long as possible on the ATP Tour. “I am sorry for my French fans who I will see next year at Roland Garros.” Tournament director Guy Forget said he was “disappointed” with Federer’s late decision to withdraw.

The 38-year-old Federer warned on Sunday after winning his 10th Basel title that he may skip the trip to Paris. “My fitness is fine, I’m happy with how I feel,” he said. “I just don’t know if I should play next week. I’ll figure it out with the team.”