I don’t know if I will play – Roger Federer ponders withdrawal from French Open

For former World No.1 Roger Federer, the ongoing French Open was always a way to find out where he stands as a player. Federer had looked rusty in the Qatar and Geneva Open but he has been able to turn the tables in the ongoing Roland Garros.

Federer might have surprised himself as he has dropped only two sets to make his entry into the Round four of the tournament. The World No. 8 defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer by 7-6, 6-7, 7-5, 7-5 in the third round to earn his place in the round four of the competition.

However, Fed had to battle hard for three hours and 35 minutes to get his win. Federer added that he may have to re-assesses his knee and think about his future. The flamboyant player, who will be turning 40 in August, will be looking to win his ninth Wimbledon title.

“I don’t know if I am going to play,” said Federer, who is just two months shy of his 40th birthday and is due to play Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in Monday’s fourth round.

“I have to decide whether or not to continue playing. Is it too risky to keep putting pressure on the knee? Is it a good time to rest?”

“Every match I have to reassess the situation and see the next morning in what state I wake up and how my knee is doing,” added Federer after being on court for 3 hours and 35 minutes.

“It may be even more true after a match as long as the one tonight.”

Federer has shown his class so far in the French Open and the fourth round match against Matteo Berrettini will be a tough one for him. It will be interesting to note how Federer will manage his workload.