Roger Federer. Photo by AP.
Roger Federer withdrew from the Dubai Championships
because of a lung infection on Sunday.
Organisers said the top-ranked Swiss star picked up the
infection last week and will miss the $2 million event, which
starts on Monday, for the second straight year.
A four-time winner in Dubai, Federer will rest for two weeks
and is expected to return at Indian Wells from March 11.
"I'm hoping to be back for Indian Wells. But of course, there
are no promises," Federer said. "This is something that will
be finished only with proper treatment. "I've been taking it
easy, relaxing as much as possible. My breathing is a bit
difficult and everything feels a bit slow. I can't take any
chances until I'm fit again. It could be better, it could be
worse."
Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic replaces him in the main
draw.
Andy Roddick, the 2008 champion, withdrew from the tournament
on Saturday.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, Australian Open runner-up
Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Marin
Cilic are the top-10 ranked players in the field at the
hardcourt event.
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