Federer feels Murray’s pain

 

Originally published on: 23/05/13 00:00

The world No.2 pulled out of the French Open with a lower back injury that saw him retire from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome last week.

Federer has not missed a major since he made his Grand Slam debut in 1999, but he accepts Murray has to put his long-term health ahead of any aspirations of winning in Paris.

"Those [back problems] are normal tennis injuries to have," Federer told Sky Sports. "There is wear and tear, there are niggling injuries. The only problem is if you play too long with something that hurts. It's just not so much fun anymore."

Federer, who will be seeded second in Murray’s absence, has limited his appearances on the ATP Tour in recent seasons in a bid to be in the best possible shape for the four majors.

Another former Wimbledon champion and world No.1 Boris Becker labeled Murray’s injury a “blessing in disguise”.

"We have to admit that clay is not Andy Murray's strongest surface, and if he goes half-fit into the French Open he can't possibly win it and he might damage his chances for Wimbledon,” Becker told Press Association Sport. “In a way, it was a blessing in disguise."

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