Federer Withdraws From ATP Cup

Roger Federer has stepped out of the ATP Cup and so has Switzerland.The 20-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn from the inaugural ATP Cup set for January 3-12th in Australia, organizers announced today.More: Inside Rafa Nadal's WeddingFederer's withdrawal sparked Switzerland's departure from the field of the team event.“It is with great regret that I am withdrawing from the inaugural ATP Cup event,” Federer said in a statement posted on the ATP Cup website. “When I entered the event last month, it was a really difficult decision because it meant less time at home with the family and a fully intense start to the season.“After much discussion with both my family and my team about the year ahead, I have decided that the extra two weeks at home will be beneficial for both my family and my tennis. It pains me to not be a part of the most exciting new event on the calendar, but this is the right thing to do if I want to continue to play for a longer period of time on the ATP Tour."

“I am sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment my withdrawal may cause for the fans, but I hope you can understand why I made it," Federer said. “For my Australian fans, I look forward to seeing you all at the Australian Open, fresh and ready to go.”According to ATP rules, if the No. 1 player of a country that qualified at the first entry deadline withdraws before the second entry deadline, the team is withdrawn from the Top 18 countries unless the ranking of its No. 2 player qualifies the team in the Top 18.Switzerland's next-highest-ranked player who committed to play the event at the first entry deadline was Henri Laaksonen, who was ranked No. 110 at the time. Switzerland had been drawn to play in Sydney in Group C.The announcement comes days after Federer pulled out of the season's final Masters 1000 event at the Paris Rolex Masters. Federer plans to play the ATP Finals at London's O2 Arena next month.It's been a successful season of team play for Federer.The 38-year-old Swiss partnered Belinda Bencic to lead Switzerland to its second straight Hopman Cup championship in Perth last January.Last month, Federer helped lead Team Europe to its third consecutive Laver Cup championship in Geneva.

Federer, who will skip next month's Davis Cup finals in Madrid, has committed to playing both Roland Garros and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and says he is aiming to streamline his schedule to prolong his playing career.Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve ]]>