Roger Federer pulls out of Shanghai – Soderling not ready yet

Written by: Resendiz on 24th September 2011

Roger Federer pulls out of Shanghai – Soderling not ready yet

Switzerland's Roger Federer returns a ball during his match against Australia's Lleyton Hewitt during the Davis Cup world group play-off between Australia and Switzerland, in Sydney, Australia, on 16 September 2011. EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

World No. 3 Roger Federer will not participate in the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011. Federer has decided to take some well deserved time off after a hectic schedule this summer. “After consultation with my team, I’ve unfortunately decided to pull out of the Shanghai Rolex Masters in order to take some necessary time to rest and recuperate after a long summer. I have some nagging injuries that I need to address and I look forward to returning to the ATP Tour as soon as possible,” the former world number one said.

Federer lost in the semi-finals of the US Open to Novak Djokovic despite having match points in the fifth set. Straight after the US Open the Swiss super star travelled around the world to compete in his country’s Davis Cup World Group playoff against Australia in Sydney. Federer and his team mate Stanislas Wawrinka overcame Australia 3-2 and are now back in the Davis Cup World Group next year.

The 30-year-old reached the final of Shanghai last year where he lost to Andy Murray. “I have fond memories of Shanghai so I will miss this amazing tournament and all my loyal Chinese fans, but I look forward to returning to China next fall.” Federer is hoping to be fit for his hometown event in Basel at the end of October.

Swede Robin Soderling is not having much lucky with his illness. The World No. 6 has not played since he won the final against David Ferrer at the SkiStar Open in Bastad. The 27-year-old pulled out of the ATP World Tour Masters in Montreal with a wrist injury. Soderling didn’t turn up for his first round at the US Open and he was later diagnosed with mononucleosis. The following statement was released earlier today on Robin Soderling’s official Facebook page:

“I am very sorry to disappoint my fans, tournaments, and sponsors but I am still not able to play Asia tour. I was looking forward to coming to Asia but unfortunately my mono is not completely cured yet an so I have to take another month off. I can’t wait to be back on the court but I have to be patient. I hope to be ready for Stockholm Open in the middle of October. Thank you all of your support – your encouraging messages help me to get through this difficult time.”