Roger Federer has revealed that he will take a two-month break from competitive tennis, following the Indian Wells tournament next month.
The 31-year-old has said that he wants to spend more time with his family, while also being better prepared for the clay court season when he returns at the Madrid Open.
The Swiss insisted that it is not a sign of impending retirement, but will instead help him to prolong his career.
"The last few years have been really tricky in terms of my practice schedule, especially through an Olympic year [2012]," Federer told reporters ahead of the Dubai championships. "This year is totally different. Family is very important, so I also want to spend quality time with them.
"I can't play a year like I did last year every single season because that isn't the point I'm at in my career. I'm not 22 where I have to play 25-30 tournaments a year. [This way] I'll be really ready for the tournaments I do enter.
"I'm trying to be smart with my scheduling because I'm in a totally different situation to [Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic]. They are right in their prime."
Federer is likely to take a holiday with his family before spending several weeks practising on the clay courts at home in Switzerland.
Daniel Cross
