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Fed cuts back on clay

More selective approach for Swiss ace

Last updated: 3rd December 2008

Federer: Without a French title

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Roger Federer has revealed that he will take part in just two events on clay before attempting to win the French Open for the first time in 2009.

The Swiss will take in the Masters Series events in Rome and Madrid before heading to Paris on May 24, slashing in half the number of tournaments he has played in the past.

The news comes after a difficult year for the world number two, whose season never got going after picking up a debilitating virus, and saw him lose the top spot to great rival Rafael Nadal before a back injury scuppered his chances at the Masters Cup.

"He is not going to overplay next year," said his agent Tony Godsick. "He is just going to try to make sure that he peaks for the tournaments that mean the most to him."

Federer has won five US Open titles, five Wimbledons and three Australian Opens but never captured the French, where he has lost to Nadal in the last three finals.

His grass-court schedule is unchanged with a single warm-up for Wimbledon, at Halle, Germany.

"I am really pleased with the season the way we have planned it and I am looking forward to an exciting year," Federer told his website.