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Federer French Open 2021
Andy Murray, ATP Tennis Players, British Tennis Players, Chris Evert, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Second Service, Serena Williams, Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

French Open Second Service: Federer withdraws; Murray voices support


In Second Service today, we look at Roger Federer’s decision to withdraw from the French Open and the reaction to the news from around the world. 

The 20-time Grand Slam champion announced his withdrawal after saying he must be careful to ‘not push himself too quickly.’

The news came after the Swiss star had just beaten Dominik Koepfer in four sets, though has now decided to preserve his body for the grass season.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery,” said Federer.

Roger Federer French Open 2021

Take a look at Federer’s quotes here

Following the announcement, three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray voiced his support for Federer, stating that the decision ‘makes sense’.

The former World No 1 cited that tennis does not allow players to gradually recover from injury or a lack of match practice.

“In Basketball, football, etc, when returning from injury players are given reduced minutes to build up their fitness,” Murray wrote on Twitter.

“In tennis you don’t have that luxury of just playing a set in first match then two sets the next etc and building up that way.”

Federer Murray Wimbledon 2015

Read more about what Murray had to say here

Andy Murray was not the only Grand Slam champion to voice their support of Roger Federer after both Chris Evert and Boris Becker also gave their views.

“I that Roger Federer has earned the right to do anything he wants in tennis right now,” Eurosport analyst Chris Evert said.

“He should be excused for any withdrawal he has.”

Becker agreed with the American, adding that it would have been different had it been any other player other than Federer.

“Roger has earned that nimbus, he is perhaps the most beloved player of all time,” said Becker.

Federer French Open 2021

Take a look at their full quotes here

Serena Williams crashed out of the French Open after a straight sets defeat to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round.

Despite her disappointment, the American was pleased with her performances in Paris ahead of the grass court season.

“I’m in a much better place than when I got here. (I was) just literally trying to win a match, because it had been a really difficult season for me on the clay.” Williams said.

Serena Williams French Open 2021

Read more about what Williams had to say here

Lastly, Victoria Azarenka directed a furious rant at French Open organisers after fourth round defeat to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, accusing them of helping perpetuate inequality in tennis.

“What concerns me is when somebody from French Federation is continually trying to say there is equality, and only pointing out to prize money, which is true,” Victoria Azarenka said.

“Everything else, I wouldn’t even agree for a little with that. And that’s disappointing.”

Victoria Azarenka backhand French Open

Take a look at Azarenka’s full quotes here


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.