Roger Federer has withdrawn from the French Open to protect his body ahead of many tasks ahead despite reaching the fourth round of the French Open.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion took the decision the day after a gruelling third-round win over Dominik Koepfer.
"After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it's important that I listen to my body and make sure I don't push myself too quickly on my road to recovery," the 39 year old said.
Federer, who won the French Open in 2009, had two knee surgeries last year and had played only three matches in 16 months before arriving in Paris.
He has made no secret that his priority for this year is Wimbledon, which starts on 28 June.
The Swiss international had already hinted straight after the match against Koepfer that a withdrawal could be on the table if he felt there would be too much risk to his knee.
Players normally withdraw from grand slam tournaments only because of current injuries or illness, rather than as a precautionary measure in order to be in sufficient shape for a different event.At 39 years of age and after two knee surgeries, however, Federer’s priorities are clear.