Federer
was scheduled to play Friday for the first time in nearly two months at
the Miami Open, but he withdrew shortly before the match because of the
illness, which he has been battling for several days.
''I feel bad for the tournament
and the fans, as I have rarely ever had to withdraw at such short
notice,'' Federer said in a statement. ''I have not felt great for a few
days, and unfortunately it got worse in the last 24 hours. I was really
excited to have my comeback in Miami but am in no condition to play. I
tried to warm up this morning, but it was clear that I could not
compete.''
Federer has been
sidelined since undergoing arthroscopic surgery February 3 to repair torn
cartilage in his left knee. The 2005-06 Key Biscayne champion hasn't
played in the tournament since 2014.
''It's
obvious that a tournament with Roger is always better,'' said Rafael
Nadal, who plays his opening match Saturday. ''It's good that it's a
stomach problem and at the same time it is not the knee, so it's not a
big deal. But it's obvious that it's terrible news for the tournament.''
Federer's return will now likely be on clay next month at Monte Carlo Masters.
He was replaced in the Key Biscayne draw by lucky loser Horacio
Zeballos, who faced Juan Martin del Potro in the second round.
Date: 25 March 2016, Source: AP
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