Federer limps out of Italian Open

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarterfinal match on Friday with a right leg injury.

Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semifinals.

The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015.

“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today,” said Federer.

“I am not 100 percent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play.

“Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year.”

Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek.