Tennis world reacts to Federer's stunning decision to skip French Open

Only one of Federer's 18 Grand Slam titles was captured in Paris.

Published May 15, 2017

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On Monday, Roger Federer announced that he would skip the French Open for a second consecutive year.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion, who hasn't played since early April, indicated that he would sit out the clay-court season, but it was expected that he would arrive in Paris to play Roland Garros, where he was the champion in 2009.

Unfortunately, I won't be playing @rolandgarros this year. I'll miss my fans in France, but appreciate your support https://t.co/vRcb4SvQga
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 15, 2017

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After six months off the tour in 2016, Federer returned in January and proceeded to win the Australian Open for a fifth time. He then went on to complete the Sunshine Double, taking both the Indian Wells and Miami titles.

Federer is taking time off to prepare for the grass and hard-court seasons. He's won Wimbledon seven times and the U.S. Open five times. The 35-year-old has lost just once in 20 matches in 2017.

The internet, predictably, was buzzing after Federer's announcement—and it still is. Here is some of the reaction from the tennis world:

As I predicted, Roger will not play in Paris. A very clever move to me. Roger knows his body. Best chances to win GS in Wimby and US Open
— Robin Söderling (@RSoderling) May 15, 2017

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I 100% believe Fedfan decision with his team to pull out was purely based on what is best for him getting ready for grass court season.....
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) May 15, 2017

And absolutely vamos-Rafa amazing clay court season had no bearing on the Fedfan decision to pull out of Paris in my humble opinion
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) May 15, 2017

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Not surprised by the decision. Am surprised of the timing. Federer will not play @rolandgarros ...
— Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) May 15, 2017

.@steve_weissman, @thetracyaustin, and @justingimelstob react to the news of @rogerfederer pulling out of @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/RTRAZSSMQv
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 15, 2017

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Absolutely the right decision from @rogerfederer not playing @rolandgarros ! He will be in my eyes getting ready for the grass...@Wimbledon
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 16, 2017

Tennis world reacts to Federer's stunning decision to skip French Open

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