Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during the men's singles quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the 2019 ATP Shanghai Masters on Oct. 11, 2019. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
Former world No. 1 Roger Federer withdrew from the inaugural ATP Cup due to personal reason.
SYDNEY, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer has told Aussie fans he will not take part in the upcoming ATP Cup tournament early next year.
"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," the 20-time Grand Slam winner posted to social media on Wednesday evening.
"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."
Mirka Federer, wife of Roger Federer, watches the men's singles semifinal match that Roger beats Rafael Nadal of Spain 3-1 at the 2019 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 12, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Yan)
Scheduled from January 3-12, the inaugural men's-only event will see 24 s battle it out in a round-robin style format, with matches set to take place in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Although the 38-year-old world No. 3 will be absent from the tournament, the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been confirmed to take part.
While there may be some disappointment for local tennis fans, Federer will appear in front of Aussie crowds later in January when he chases his seventh Australian Open Grand Slam title.■
