Fatigued Federer withdraws from October ATP Asian swing

TOKYO - Roger Federer Friday withdrew from next month’s run of ATP Asian events in Tokyo and Shanghai, saying he needed to rest after a gruelling season.

The Swiss world number one had complained of fatigue after helping his nation last weekend to remain in the Davis Cup World Group with a 3-2 victory over Italy.

The 15-time Grand Slam champion will miss the Japan Open, which he was to have headlined along with Andy Murray. The Scot could also be doubtful as he heals a wrist injury but has said he wants to play.

Federer will also skip the Shanghai Masters from Oct 12.

Japanese fans will be disappointed after Federer, the 2006 champion on his Japanese debut, withdrew from his title defence a year later.

“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.”

This year’s winner of French Open and Wimbledon titles added: “I’m disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favourite cities. The fans have been great to me over the years.”

The Tokyo event is set to feature US Open champion Juan Del Potro, who beat Federer a fortnight ago in the New York final.