The four-time defending champion had been expected to travel to Germany following his loss at the French Open final in Paris on Sunday when Spaniard Rafael Nadal destroyed the Swiss player's historic Grand Slam dream for another year by beating him 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It also shattered Federer's hopes of capturing a first French Open and become only the third man after Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) to hold all four Grand Slam crowns at the same time.

But in a message posted on his website, Federer said: "In an attempt to prevent injury after the long final in Paris, I cannot defend my title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.

"Gerry and Ralf Weber have always been so hospitable over the years and I love playing there. I look forward to returning in 2008."

Last year, Federer clinched an epic 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (13/11), 7-6 (7/5) victory and went on to win his fourth crown in Halle.

Federer has in the past used the Halle tournament to warm-up on grass for Wimbledon, which starts this year on June 25.