Federer pulls out of Japan Open, Shanghai Masters
TOKYO (AP)—Roger Federer withdrew from the Japan Open and Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 on Friday, citing the need to rest after a physically challenging year.
The Japan Tennis Association said the top-ranked Federer was withdrawing from the Oct. 5-11 Japan Open, along with the Shanghai tournament the following week.
“After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments,” Federer said in a statement. “This will allow me a chance to give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and recover from a physically challenging year.”
Federer reached the final of all four Grand Slams this year, winning the French Open for the first time in his career, then breaking Pete Sampras’ record with his 15th major title at Wimbledon.
He also earned two points for Switzerland last weekend during a 3-2 victory over Italy in the playoffs to remain in the top-tier World Group of the Davis Cup.
It is the second time Federer has pulled out of the Japan Open just before the start of the tournament. He also cited fatigue as his reason for withdrawing from the 2007 event.
“I’m disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities,” Federer said. “The fans have been great to me over the years.”
U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and third-ranked Andy Murray are scheduled to take part in the Japan Open.

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And, the quality of the play that had completely become in a slump due to the sickness and injury in 2008 fell into Federer, too.
..Federer.. now is really ..the reign over the king.. terrible.
Federer is an all-time best player. Roger Federer Best
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I know, all this would have never happened if I hadn't trekked over to the football blog to check on Tim.
If you think this is bad, you cannot believe how awful it is over there and we're (my husband and I) football fans too, but over there it's like wadding into a open sewage pipe!! I should have left it alone, but some things (like when someone says something "snarky" about our two guys) or other favorites I just leap before I think. I admit, it's a huge flaw, one I've been working on for years. I apologize for all the "undue and nasty" attention this has brought to you and the rest of the tennis bloggers..but I will not accept responsibility for ANYONE else's actions, ONLY my own!!!
Your assessment is spot on and so far as I am concerned, it's over and I'm moving on~
What I wanted to ask you, based on your last newsy comment about Pete, was wondering if you actually ever got to "meet" Pete, get an autograph or anything since you live out there?
It's nice to know there are still people who have good taste and are classy :-)
My player lost today (Pan Pacific), but overall it was a really good day for tennis lovers!!
You take care and thanks for you comments, as always, the "voice of reason"~Appreciated your kind words~
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I didn't follow you, I am on this tennis board frequently. I went to check on Tim's status and saw your comments. I didn't even know you were from Georgia until you said you were. I could care less about your being from GA, I have family and friends there too. I do not stalk, I do not follow!!! I haven't been on that board in months, well since last season!!
I do agree with you about taking Tim out, that wasn't HIS decision, it was Meyers. Brantley is a fine QB and actually he needs playing time, but this would not be the preferable way. Personally I don't think Tim and several others who really have been very sick with this flu should have even made the trip to KU. However having said that, I am a proud Gator fan and I pray that Tim will be mending soon. If he's still "iffy" when they play LSU on the 10th then I would keep him out, but talk about a "psychotic" mind, try getting into at coach's mind! This "bye" week should help, overall, some.
To clarify, about Melanie, I meant after the brutal way she was treated by the press and even some fans made during her magical run at the Open she didn't need one more person who was less than noble..I meant the comment as strictly that~straight-forward..no hidden meaning about her being a young girl!!!!! She's a sweetheart and should be given the upmost respect. I have friends in Marietta too and I hope the flooding is getting better there. One friend said her first floor carpet was soaking wet and most everything ruined. It seems to be feast or famine for those folks with the rain situation. I understand there are 2 major fronts coming which should push the rain and humidity out and allow some cooler and drier air in!
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