London: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships joined the tennis fraternity in wishing Swiss ace Roger Federer a “speedy recovery” after the former world No 1 was ruled out of the event after a arthroscopic knee surgery. The Dubai Championship will get under way at the Dubai Tennis Stadium from February 15.
The surgey performed in Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus, according to his agent at TEAM8 Tony Godsick, forced the 17-time Grand Slam winner to withdraw from the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (February 8-21) and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai (February 22-27). Federer suffered the injury the day after his Australian Open run ended in the semi-finals last week and will be out of action up to a month.
Tournament director Salah Tahlak said: “Seven-time champion Roger Federer is a great friend of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and a hugely popular player with our tennis fans. However, injuries do happen and we join his fans in wishing him a speedy recovery following his arthroscopic knee surgery.
“Meanwhile. our plans are well underway to welcome a great field of players from [February 15] onwards. We look forward to welcoming Roger back next year when we mark the 25th anniversary of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.”
The 34-year-old Swiss, who was the reigning champion in Dubai, said: “I am so disappointed to have to miss Rotterdam and Dubai as they are two of my favourite tournaments on the ATP World Tour. While this is an unfortunate setback, I feel grateful that up until now I have remained mostly healthy throughout my career. My doctors have ensured me that the surgery was a success and with proper rehabilitation, I will be able to return to the Tour soon.”
The world number three has won two Rotterdam trophies among his 88 career titles.
— With inputs from agencies
