Swiss great Roger Federer has pulled out of the French Open.

The 39-year-old said he took the decision to “make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery” following Saturday’s marathon four set encounter against Germany’s Dominik Keopfer which ended at 12.43am.

He’d hinted after the match that, with his appearance at the ATP event in Halle coming up next week, he would be better off forfeiting his last sixteen meeting with Italian Matteo Berrettini.

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland-Garros today,” he said.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push myself too quickly on my road to recovery. I am thrilled to have got 3 matches under my belt.

“There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”

An official tournament statement read: “The Roland-Garros tournament is sorry about the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who put up an incredible fight last night.

“We were all delighted to see Roger back in Paris, where he played three high-level matches.

We wish him all the best for the rest of the season,” said Guy Forget, Tournament Director.