Roger Federer pulls out of French Open: Berettini wins without a fight

Roger Federer's withdrawal from the French Open in 2021 will send Franco Berettini through to the last eight of the men's singles without a match.

"After discussing with my team, I have decided to withdraw from the French Open," Federer's team said in a statement. After two knee surgeries and more than a year of recovery, it's important to follow your body's instructions. I don't want to be too aggressive in my recovery. I'm excited to have won three matches and there's no better feeling than to be back on the court. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon."

The 39-year-old Federer is playing his second French Open in six years. In 2019, after a three-year absence, he made it all the way to the semifinals. The original French Open according to the draw, Federer is likely to meet Djokovic in the quarter-finals. Roger Federer clinched a place in the last 16 of the French Open with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Kopfel in 3 hours and 38 minutes early Sunday. But because of his withdrawal, next round opponent Beredini won the men's singles last eight.

The French Open organising committee expressed regret at Federer's withdrawal, thanked him for playing an excellent match and wished him the best of luck for the rest of the season.