MELBOURNE PARK, Melbourne – Roger Federer has advanced to the third round of the Australian Open when on Wednesday his opponent German Andreas Beck withdrew from the tournament with a lower back injury.
“I was practicing in the morning warming up, and probably I made a wrong step,” said Beck. “That is the reason why I have to pull out, unfortunately.
” I couldn’t serve, so I think it doesn’t make sense to play, especially now against Roger. For me, it’s the best decision.
“Of course I’m disappointed, and I feel very sad at the moment. I wanted to play against Roger. It’s always nice to play and a pleasure to play against him, of course.
“I was very looking forward to go on this beautiful court and all, to play before the people there, for the crowd. Yeah, I’m missing still the words to say anything positive.
“But I have to, because it’s the beginning of the season and I have to be careful to myself a little bit. And, yeah, I think it’s the best decision.
Federer was surprised at the withdrawal. ” I didn’t know anything about it. I saw him in the locker room, and he came up to me. I was like, Hey, what’s going on? Good to see you again, because he’s a good friend. I’ve practiced with him in the past in Switzerland.
“He said, I’m not so good actually. I have a bad back. It came as a surprise. He said he had a lot painkillers and pain during the last match. I think it happened four, five days ago. He doesn’t want to risk it early in the season, best five sets against me. Nothing he could have done, even though he would love to play against me. I guess it’s he only smart decision for him to take.”
Federer will play the winner of the Ivo Karlovic – Carlos Berlocq match next.
Karen Pestaina for Tennis Panorama News