Roger Federer has been dealt a blow in his preparations for Roland Garros after being forced to withdraw from the Madrid Masters with a back complaint.
The 34-year-old suffered the setback during practice at the weekend and has decided to err on the side of caution ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year later this month.
The former world number one has endured an injury-hit campaign and has undergone surgery on his knee, but the latest issue has come at the wrong time as he looks to try to gain more match action heading into a crucial part of the year.
Federer has played just 13 times - winning 10 matches and losing three - across three tournaments during 2016.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
