Roger Federer pulls out of Rome Masters with right leg injury

World number three Roger Federer pulled out of the Italian Open before his quarter-final match on Friday with a right leg injury. Federer, a four-time Rome finalist, had been due to meet Greek eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the semi-finals. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner was playing in Rome to prepare for his return to the French Open for the first time since 2015.

"I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete today," said Federer.  "I am not 100 per cent physically and after consultation with my team, it was determined that I not play. Rome has always been one of my favourite cities to visit and I hope to be back next year."

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Federer had been on court nearly four hours on Thursday as competitors played two matches after rain delays midweek. The 37-year-old saved two match points to win through 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) against Borna Coric to advance to the quarter-finals after earlier easing to a straight sets win over Portugal's Joao Suosa.

The former world number one had been a late addition to the Rome tournament as he sought clay court practice ahead of his bid to add to his lone  French Open title in 2009. Tsitsipas will play either defending champion Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roger Federer was a late addition to the Rome Masters.
• Roger Federer is bidding to win the French Open for the first time since 2009.
• Stefanos Tsitsipas will play Rafael Nadal or Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.