Roger Federer to skip French Open

Roger Federer will miss the French Open. Photo / AP

There won't be another Federer-Nadal clash at Roland Garros this year with the Swiss great announcing he'll be skipping the French Open.

Federer released a statement on his official website that he'll miss the clay season and prepare for a shot at the Wimbledon and US Open grand slam titles.

Federer won his 18th grand slam title earlier this year when he defeated old rival Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final.

"Regrettably, I've decided not to participate in the French Open. I've been working really hard, both on and off the court, during the last month but in order to try and play on the ATP World Tour for many years to come, I feel it's best to skip the clay court season this year and prepare for the grass and hard court seasons," Federer said.

Federer won the French Open in 2009, his only title in Paris, beating Robin Soderling in the final, but lost to Nadal in four finals at Roland Garros. He missed last year's event through injury and and hasn't made the semifinals in Paris since 2012.

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

The 35-year-old said he plans to play in France next year.

"The start to the year has been magical for me but I need to recognize that scheduling will be the key to my longevity moving forward. Thus, my team and I concluded today that playing just one event on clay was not in the best interest of my tennis and physical preparation for the remainder of the season. I will miss the French fans, who have always been so supportive and I look forward to seeing them at Roland Garros next year."