Roger Federer pulls out of Madrid Open due to injury
Wednesday 4 May 2016 08:47, UK
Roger Federer has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a back injury sustained in training on Saturday.
Federer made his comeback from a knee injury in Monte Carlo a fortnight ago after missing nearly three months of the season following surgery.
The 34-year-old, who is a three-time winner of the event, played down the injury and hopes to return in next week's Rome Masters.
"I arrived, I was okay." Federer told a news conference on Monday.
"There's no feeling that I can practise so at this point I don't want to take more chances, as I know I wont be fully ready for Wednesday.
"I want to play it safe, rest up and get ready for Rome, that's the schedule now."
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He added of the injury: "Normal back things I've had in past. Not as bad as before Davis Cup final. I'm okay with it, at least I know what it is."
The world No 3 had originally planned to skip the event in the Spanish capital to conserve his energy for the three remaining Grand Slams and Rio Olympics later in the year.
